Jackson, Wyo. – Sept. 19, 2016 – Fall rain and cooler temperatures have allowed Teton County to join with neighboring federal land agencies in lifting a partial outdoor fire ban.
At the Teton Board of County Commissioners’ workshop on Monday, Sept. 19, leaders approved Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Chief Willy Watsabaugh’s proposal to end the season’s fire restrictions, which have been in place since the hot, dry days of early August.
“The fire danger has been reduced to moderate based on significant precipitation across the forest,” Chief Watsabaugh said. “We have received enough moisture that I can support this plan to go out of fire restrictions.”
During Jackson Hole’s recent period of extreme fire weather and notable wildland fires in the vicinity, the fire restrictions disallowed open fires without screens, as well as other activities that could unintentionally spark a forest fire. The Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, the High Desert District of the Bureau of Land Management, Bighorn National Forest, and Sublette and Lincoln counties all implemented restrictions on or around Aug. 3.
Commissioners applauded Chief Watsabaugh, the Jackson Hole firefighting team and federal partners for their exceptional efforts this season.
“It’s been a long, hot summer,” Commissioner Paul Vogelheim said. “Chief, thank you for your incredible leadership and energy through this.”
Open burn rules have been updated on the Jackson Hole Fire/EMS website: /fire/topics/burning-rules-town-county/252531/
Fire Marshal Kathy Clay urged citizens to wait until snow is on the ground before burning open piles to enhance safety. “Warm fall days will dry out grasses and shrubs, making fire spread possible,” Clay said. “Burning when snow is on the ground enhances the safety for pile burning.”