Caribou-Targhee National Forest to begin prescribed fires in Teton Basin
DRIGGS, Idaho (KIFI) – Teton Basin Ranger District is set to begin prescribed fires in the Red Creek and Hill Creek areas.
Smoke will be visible from the Teton Valley area. Ignitions will take place over multiple weeks starting Sept. 17, 2023, weather and personnel permitting.
The Red Creek prescribe fire is located on the southern part of the unit is State Highway 31. The public should anticipate traffic stopping or slowing while burn operations are going along the highway. Trail #230 will be closed during burn operations. The Hill Creek prescribed fire will close Aspen Trail #034 and #032 will be closed.
“The burn objectives include reducing conifer encroachment in aspen stands, to increase aspen stands to improve wildlife habitat, and reducing hazardous fuel loading affecting values at risk and the Wildland Urban Interface,” said Jon Carneill, Fire Prevention Technician in the South Fork Zone. “Partner support is provided through grant funds with the Idaho watershed initiative, Idaho Mule Deer Initiative, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust.”
Both prescribed fires will use a helitorch used by a Helicopter to get fire in the interior of the units. The Forest Service asks the public not to fly drones or aircraft around any wildfire or prescribed fire.
Prescribe fires help reduce wildfire risk to communities and critical infrastructure. Fuels treatments, including prescribed burns, are meant to safely replicate the effects of naturally occurring wildfire, resulting in less available material to burn.
