Palisades Ranger District completes 2,400 acre aspen restoration project

Crews completed prescribed fire operation in the Fall Creek Basin near Commissary and Fourth of July Ridges on Sept. 6.

Implementation of the prescribed fire occurred over two weeks when fire managers could carefully assess daily weather conditions to determine the exact timing and location for hand and aerial ignitions.

During predicted red flag warning periods, ignition operations ceased, and firefighters held the fire within preestablished containment lines.

The Caribou-Targhee National Forest successfully treated 2,400 acres to improve aspen stand and wildlife habitat.

Residual smoke and fire activity are expected in the area.

The fire will continue to smolder and creep with the occasional single tree torching possible as weather conditions warm and dry into the weekend.

No trail or area closures are in effect; however several hazards exist within in the prescribed fire area including falling snags, rolling rock or debris and an increase in smoke.

The CTNF strongly encourages you to stay informed and use caution if recreating in the vicinity of the prescribed fire area that includes Commissary Road 017, Fourth of July Ridge Trail 262 and Commissary/Fourth of July connector trail 260.