Afton & Kemmerer, Wyo. – With colder temperatures and snow conditions fast approaching in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Teton Interagency Fire crews have begun igniting debris piles created from fuels reduction projects, commercial timber sales, and fencing projects in the Greys River and Kemmerer Ranger Districts.

The pile locations on the Greys River Ranger District may include Grover Park, Alpine Bench, Deer Creek Guard Station, Meadows Guard Station, Spring Creek, and East Table. On the Kemmerer Ranger District pile locations may include Pole Creek, Hams Fork Ridge, Basin Creek, and Kelley Guard Station.

Pile burning is part of an ongoing program to improve forest health and reduce hazardous fuel accumulation. The Bridger-Teton National Forest depends on mixed-intensity fire to reduce accumulated vegetation, enhance wildlife habitat, and to recycle valuable nutrients back into the soil. “Fire plays an important role in the health of Forest lands,” said Ben Banister, Assistant Fire Management Officer for Westzone Fuels on the Bridger Teton National Forest. "By using this change of weather as a window of opportunity we can take advantage in reducing these hazardous fuels, making the Forest more fire resistant for the future.”

Pile burns require more moisture in the surrounding vegetation and has fire behavior typically be slower moving and with shorter flames. Please be aware that smoke may be visible in the vicinity of the burn especially in the low laying areas.

For more information on prescribed fire, fuels reduction projects and defensible space, please visit www.tetonfires.com.