A Grand Teton National Park fuels reduction project from 1998 proved again it was worth the effort when a human-caused fire started on August 10 on the edge of the project area. Despite very high fire danger and hot, dry weather conditions, the Trail Fire was confined to less than a tenth of an acre.
“The open canopy from the fuels project definitely helped keep the fire small,” said firefighter Wayne Petsch. “The fire ignited a dead sub-alpine fir, which torched and caused the tree next to it torch. Because of the fuels project, there were no other trees in close proximity.”
Five firefighters worked the Trail Fire, which caused several small spot fires in the duff.
The first time the 30-acre fuels project showed its value, firefighters had not quite finished their work, which was a wildland-urban interface project designed to protect the historice Jenny Lake Lodge. The Alder Fire, which started from a lightning strike September 2, 1999, made a run toward lodge during a late-season wind event in mid-October 1999. Thanks to the fuels reduction work, firefighters were able to make a stand and protect the historic lodge and surrounding structures.
Contact: Lisa Elenz, Fire Management Officer
Phone: (307) 739-3310
*This story supports the National Fire Plan |
