As the snow gradually recedes and the vegetation dries out, local residents are beginning to increasingly engage in yard work and are looking to dispose of burnable trash. Teton County Fire Marshal Kathy Clay reminds those who pursue open burning to remember the familiar safety precautions promoted each year. Those include, keep the fire small adding things only as the fire begins burning down, have a water source handy to stem any spread of the fire, be sure the fire is 25 feet or more away from buildings or other combustible items that could accidentally become involved, make sure grass and weeds in the area are cut back away from the area of the burn pile, and be sure to notify the county of your intent to burn so that firefighters are not dispatched unnecessarily.
Clay said, “Our fire department resources are responding to all the regular calls we have plus the COVID calls as well. So having a wildland fire that could have been called in and not called in – and have to respond to it – just taxes our resources that much more. Please take the time; call in your control burn no matter how small.”
Clay says burn piles should be no larger than 10 by 10 by 10 and only contain vegetation or lumber that has not been painted or pre-treated – no plastics or old tires or items of that nature. She adds that while open burning is permitted in the county, it is not permitted in town until May 16th through the 25th.
- Best of the West Parade Returns to Jackson Hole on May 24, 2025 - May 1, 2025
- Blue Heron Reservoir at South Park WHMA Set for Spring Drawdown - April 30, 2025
- What to Expect When Jackson Hole Forest Gates Open - April 29, 2025
