Despite recent bouts of rainy weather, it is important to remember that Teton County has entered wildfire season. Teton County Emergency Management and Jackson Hole Fire/EMS urge everyone to do their part to prevent accidental, human-caused wildfires, and to work to make homes and landscapes less ignitable should a wildfire occur.
Wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts are important for several reasons. Across the western U.S., wildfire activity is starting earlier in the spring and lasting longer into the fall. Large wildfire activity has also become more intense and difficult-to-control. According to the National Interagency Wildfire Center, in 2020, 10.1 million acres burned throughout the country, which set a record for acres burned since accurate recording and data gathering began in the 1980s.
At the same time, firefighting resources are finite and in high demand. The hundreds of firefighters that arrived here to fight the Green Knoll (2001) and Horsethief (2012) fires may not be available for the next one. Read on for tips to keep yourself and our community safe this wildfire season.
Wildfire Prevention
- Check for fire restrictions before lighting any kind of fire. Remember that LOW fire danger does not mean NO fire danger. Check tetonfires.com.
- Attend your campfire. Make sure it is dead out and cold to the touch before abandoning. Remember: Drown, Stir, Feel, Repeat.
- Practice vehicle safety. Secure chains on your vehicle and ensure nothing is dragging on the ground. Never drive onto dry grass or brush. Keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and learn how to use it.
Wildfire Mitigation
Wildfire Preparedness
- Sign up for local emergency alerts. Text TETON_WY to 888777. Reply with “ESP” for alerts in Spanish.
- Create and practice your emergency plan. Visit ready.gov/plan for steps and templates.
- Protect your health. When it gets smoky, visit airnow.gov for air quality information and protective actions.