Fire Season Under Way

With tens of thousands of forested acres burning in and near Wyoming already, concerns about the future of this summer season are elevating.  Bridger Teton National Forest Spokesperson Mary Cernicek says it appears that what we are seeing now is only the beginning.  She says there already have been interagency firefighters who have been deployed to fires around the west, and fire managers are gearing up for an active season in Wyoming as well. Cernicek says the danger rating locally has been elevated to “Moderate” on the Bridger-Teton and in both national parks which is relatively early to be seeing the danger increase.  She says there is no time that is actually considered “normal” or “average,” but it is early enough that fire managers are watching very carefully.  Cernicek says now is not too early to be thinking about such cautionary actions as taking extra care with campfires or disposing of cigarettes when smoking outdoors.  Cernicek again urges anyone seeing smoke, to report it immediately so that firefighters can make a quick attack on any fire-starts and keep their size minimal.