Western WYO– Firefighters with the Teton Interagency fire management program plan to take advantage of changing weather conditions as we move into late fall and winter to burn slash piles created from fuel reduction projects on public land and adjacent to private property. Burning is scheduled to begin as early as October 30, 2018 and expected to continue as weather is favorable.
Fuels reduction piles are only ignited under certain conditions, including favorable smoke dispersal and adequate precipitation and snow cover. The areas will be monitored by patrols after burning is completed. Public and firefighter safety is always the number one priority in pile burning operations.
Fuels treatments require environmental analysis and a detailed burn plan outlining the parameters for burning piles “The burn plan contains specific criteria regarding weather conditions and air quality that must be met to help ensure control of the burning as well as to minimize the potential smoke impacts to local communities” said Andy Hall, Teton Interagency North Zone Fuel Specialist.
Areas with mechanical cut/hand pile fuel reduction projects for pile burning are:
· Turpin Meadows Summer Homes ( located on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Blackrock Ranger District on the Buffalo Valley Road- 40 acres)
· Trail Creek/Teton to Snake Fuels Reduction Project ( located on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Jackson Ranger District at the bottom of Teton Pass-97 acres)
· Signal Mountain Road (located west of Moran in Grand Teton National Park- 15 acres)
· Pacific Creek (located North of Moran in Grand Teton National Park-10 acres )
· Several small piles within McCollister residence, White Grass Ranch, 4 Lazy F Ranch, Death Canyon Trail head road, Murie Ranch, and the Climbers Ranch, all areas within Grand Teton National Park.
While smoke may be visible in these area at times during the pile burning, most of the smoke will lift and dissipate during the warmest part of the day. Some smoke may linger in the plie area and in drainages as temperatures drop during the evening. Signs will be posted along travel routes and roadsides to remind travelers to use headlights for safe travel within the pile areas.
Fuels reduction projects – including pile burns – help to reduce wildfire risk to communities, help restore and maintain ecosystem health, and achieve specific resource objectives such as habitat improvement and fuels reduction. Homeowners are encouraged to make a difference within their properties and follow Firewise practices for defensible space and contribute towards adopting best practices for contributing towards a fire adapted community.
