Keep Burning Under Control

Recent wildfires in other parts of Wyoming and in neighboring states serve as a warning that this is no normal year for fire danger.  As such, Fire Marshal Kathy Clay of Jackson Hole Fire/EMS says residents in Teton County will need to be extra vigilant with their use of fire as the dried grasses from the previous season are exposed and the typical moisture of springtime is wanting.  Clay says people need to recognize where the fine fuels are and where fire spread is likely.  Also, she urges those planning to burn to get a weather forecast for the day and anticipate afternoon winds that can cause the fire to spread. Clay also reminds that it is required that plans to burn fields or ditches need to be called in to the fire department ahead of time.  Even though snowpack in the mountains are only slightly below normal, that has not been the case on the valley floor, and Clay cautions that the coming fire season will probably not be unlike the season last year.  Says Clay, “I think we should anticipate fire conditions that are similar to what we are seeing in this area and the western region. The Eastern part of Wyoming is already very concerned about fire spread with these grasses that are drying out from last season.”  …and for those living in the town of Jackson, Clay reminds that ordinances prohibit open burning until clean-up week is declared in early May.