News Release

Fire Danger Increases to Very High

Date: August 18, 2020
Contact: Denise Germann, 307.739.3393
Contact: C.J. Adams, 307.739.3431

Teton Interagency fire managers announce the fire danger rating has been elevated to very high for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. Conditions in the area are drying quickly and a fire may start easily, spread quickly and burn intensely. Everyone is asked to practice heightened fire safety at all times.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest has implemented Stage 1 Fire Restrictions. These restrictions allow fires only in developed campgrounds and picnic areas in approved structures along with the Teton and Gros Ventre Wilderness. Please note that fires are prohibited in the Bridger Wilderness and all dispersed campsites under this order.
Campfires in Grand Teton National Park are limited to designated and installed fire rings and/or grills. Campfires are not allowed on the National Elk Refuge.

Teton Interagency Fire personnel have extinguished 179 unattended or abandoned campfires so far this summer. Abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. Where campfires are allowed, it is extremely important that they are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before campers leave their site. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended and can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire. During times of elevated fire danger, a campfire is not encouraged.

Fire managers use a variety of factors to determine fire danger ratings including the moisture content of grasses, shrubs and trees, projected weather conditions (including temperatures and possible wind events), and the ability of fire to spread after ignition.
 
The National Weather Service has issued multiple red flag warnings for the area in the past week. These are issued when elevated fire weather conditions are expected, such as hot temperatures and low relative humidity, sustained gusty winds, and lightning. These above average conditions have stressed vegetation in the local area accelerating normal late season drying. They have combined to increase the potential for fire activity across the Teton Interagency Fire area.

Many forest users are out cutting firewood. Firewood cutters are reminded to exercise caution with equipment and fuel and be prepared with a fire extinguisher and shovel on hand.

Visit the Teton Interagency Fire website at www.tetonfires.com to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.