Partial Fire Restrictions in Effect for Park and Forest

Date: June 29, 2012
Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3431

Based upon a current fire danger rating of High and regional fire conditions, Teton Interagency fire managers announced today that partial fire restrictions will begin on Sunday, July 1, 2012 for Grand Teton National Park and the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Teton County will also implement similar restrictions.

Fire managers study the moisture content of various fuel types, track current and expected weather conditions, and monitor available fire-fighting resources, as well as the occurrence of human-caused fires, to determine when fire restrictions need to be applied to public lands.  

Partial fire restrictions include: 

• Lighting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, barbecue or grill is allowed only at designated recreation sites such as established campgrounds or picnic areas. Use of portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, or use of a fully enclosed sheepherder type stove with a spark arrester screen is permitted. 
• Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, building (unless otherwise prohibited), developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials (i.e. parking lots, developed campsites, or locations surrounded by water). 
• Operating a chainsaw is prohibited in national parks. Operating a chainsaw on national forest lands is permitted only when equipped with a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester that is properly installed and in effective working order. Operators must also carry a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches. 
• Discharge of fireworks and use of explosives requiring blasting caps are prohibited 
• Welding is prohibited in national parks. For national forest locations, welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame is only allowed in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter. A chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A must be at the location. 

Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, and/or by imprisonment for more than six months. 

Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires, and it is extremely important that all campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before campers leave their site. Visitors should NEVER leave a fire unattended, and should prepare for the unexpected by having a water bucket and shovel on hand and ready to use. The fine for an abandoned campfire is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire. 

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, visitors and local residents alike are reminded that fireworks are NOT permitted in Grand Teton National Park, on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, or in Teton County. It is essential that everyone comply with this regulation, especially given the current fire danger rating and tinder-dry conditions. 

To report a fire or smoke in either area, call 307.739.3630. For more fire information, visit www.tetonfires.com.