Ag. Burns Present Concerns

With the warmer temperatures and the vanishing of snow, the burning season is coming to the region.  Even as the Forest Service is executing some prescribed fires on the northern end of Bridger-Teton National Forest, landowners in the county may also be considering some burns of their own.  Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Fire Marshal Kathy Clay says before conducting such burns, it is important to notify authorities of those intentions.  That way, Clay says, if someone passes by and reports the fire they see, authorities will already know about it and not dispatch firefighters to it.  She also recommends keeping a phone handy in the event the fire gets out of hand and help extinguishing it is needed.  Once the fire is set, Clay says it is important to keep a watchful eye on it – both during and after the burn.  Then, before assuming it is out, feel the area burned to be sure it is cold. Those conducting burns she says should always attend those fires throughout the burn.  At the same time, Clay points out that property owners within the town of Jackson are not permitted to do open burning until the town council declares burn week.