Date: August 23, 2017
Contact: Denise Germann, 307.739.3393
Western WY — Interagency fire managers announce that partial fire restrictions will be lifted effective tomorrow, Thursday, August 24, in Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, National Elk Refuge, as well as Teton and Sublette Counties in Wyoming. The fire danger rating remains high. Due to the reduction in human-caused risk, the criteria for restrictions have changed. Fire managers will continue to monitor weather and fuel moistures, and assess whether restrictions are warranted in the future this fire season.
In Grand Teton National Park, wood and/or charcoal fires are allowed at picnic areas and campgrounds as long as they are limited to established fire pits or fire grates. Fires in the backcountry are allowed only in established fire rings at lakeshore campsites and must be attended at all times. Permits are required to camp in any of the park's backcountry sites.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest allows wood and/or charcoal campfires in backcountry locations in established fire rings only. Camping permits are not required for private parties using the backcountry in the national forest areas.
All park visitors and forest users are required to attend their campfires at all times. Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildland fires. It is extremely important that all campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before campers leave the site. Additionally, only dead and down wood may be used as firewood in both the forest and park. These regulations are in place to provide for human safety, to protect personal property and to preserve the area's natural resources.
Although the partial fire restrictions have been lifted, park visitors and forest users are reminded to be especially cautious when using fire. In the event of drying conditions and high winds, fire danger will increase with the probability of abandoned campfires quickly spreading. Fire restrictions could be reinstated if conditions change.
Teton County, Wyoming, reminds residents that citizens wishing to burn piles must follow county burning rules. Please visit www.tetonwyo.org/fire for burning rules and additional information. Fireworks are illegal in Teton County and on Federal public lands.
Consult www.tetonfires.com to find the most up-to-date fire information on local Federal lands. To report a fire in Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, or the National Elk Refuge, please call (307) 739-3630.
