Buckrail- With colder temperatures and snow conditions fast approaching in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Teton Interagency Fire crews will begin igniting debris piles created from fuels reduction projects, commercial timber sales, and fencing projects in the Greys River and Kemmerer Ranger Districts as early as this week.
The pile locations on the Greys River Ranger District may include Grover Park, Star Valley Ranch, Deer Creek Guard Station, Moose Flat Campground, Cazier Guard Station, Spring Creek, and East Table. On the Kemmerer Ranger District pile locations may include East Fork of the Hams Fork, 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 Kurt Thiel, Fire Management Officer for the West Zone of 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.”