“Rockets Red Glare” Wont Fly Here This 4th

Jackson Hole’s fireworks have always bordered on the legendary with the retorts of the shells echoing off the mountainsides throughout the valley.  This year, however, the hillsides will be silent Wednesday night.  Fire officials have reviewed the indices that are used to determine the overall fire danger and Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Chief Willy Watsabaugh says the conclusion was that the risk of a community show is just too great.  Watsabaugh says the data shows that this year is drier than it was in 1988 and 2000 when wildfires created dramatic impacts to the area.  Says Watsabaugh, “While we are aware that fireworks shows are a tradition and a summertime highlight for residents and visitors alike, the conditions are ripe for a dramatic fire event, and one only needs to look throughout the state or the western region to see the impacts wildfires can have on residents, visitors and the landscape. Two shows planned at Teton Village for tonight and tomorrow night have also been cancelled.  Watsabaugh says officials also discussed alternative locations for the shows but determined the risk was still too high.  While the decision is a major disappointment for many, Watsabaugh says the potential outcome simply isn’t worth it. Meanwhile, the county has ramped up its fire restrictions matching the restrictions in the surrounding forest and national parks – which officials there are considering making still more restrictive this week.