Western Wyoming fire danger elevated to high

Fire danger has been elevated to high for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and all of Teton County, Wyoming.

Teton Interagency fire managers said the potential for fire activity has increased due to drying vegetation combined with high temperatures, low humidity and brisk afternoon winds.

The region does not typically reach a high fire danger prior to mid-July. Several factors led to the early rise in fire danger, including early melt of winter snow pack, unseasonably warm temperatures, and scant rainfall over the past several days.

Fireworks are prohibited in Grand Teton National Park, the national forests, state lands or in Teton or Sublette Counties. Possessing or using fireworks of any kind on forest lands carries a $225 fine and a mandatory court appearance.

Campers are also advised that unattended or abandoned campfires can easily escalate into wildfires. All campfires must be completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving a site.

So far this summer, campers have abandoned 21 campfires on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and in Grand Teton National Park so far this summer. The fine for abandoned campfires is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.