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Partial Fire Restrictions Begin July 1

Beautiful Mountain and Lake taken from the Pinedale Ranger District Area.
U.S. Forest Service
Bridger-Teton National Forest

The National Weather Service has indicated that hot and dry conditions will persist in the coming weeks, which increases the potential for fire activity across the Teton Interagency Fire area, hence elevating the fire danger rating to very high for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge.

Bridger-Teton National Forest Public Affairs Officer Mary Cernicek said they have already had over 70 abandoned campfires this year. According to Cernicek, it's a matter of planning.

"We're seeing folks buying or bringing firewood to their campsite but they won't be bringing water with them. So step number one is to actually bring water that's specifically designated for extinguishing your campfire," Cernicek said.

It is extremely important for visitors to completely extinguish their campfire until it is cold to the touch before leaving their site. Even if it isn't showing any flames, it is still considered an abandoned campfire if hot embers remain.

She added that they are seeing continuing dry trends in the forest and the lack of precipitation isn't helping. In response, Thursday, July 1 2021, Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge will go into stage one fire restrictions.

"Basically you can't have open flames and if you are having a campfire, it has to be in one of the designated developed sites, such as those with an iron fire ring or a camp host," Cernicek explained.

Everyone is asked to practice heightened fire safety at all times. Additional information on restrictions is available at TetonFires.com.

This story is supported by a grant through Wyoming EPSCoR and the National Science Foundation.

Adlynn is from a big city Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia currently pursuing her M.A in Communication at the University of Wyoming. The love she has for her major, she tries to dip her toes in the various field communication has to offer. She has had experiences in public relations, advertising, marketing, print media, and now she is trying broadcast with Wyoming Public Media.
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