Wyoming Wildfire Safety

Wildfires play a natural and necessary role in the ecology of the forested lands surrounding Jackson Hole. Although destructive and a threat to developed areas, not all wildfires are bad. Natural wildfires clear away old growth and dead trees, making room for new plant life to grow. Wildfires also thin out dense forests that create a biological desert environment below their branches by blocking out sunlight, making it impossible for many grasses and low-lying plants to photosynthesize. With more space and sunlight, forests can properly sustain a wide variety of plant and animal life.

While wildfires are crucial, they are also inevitable. Each year, lightning ignites thousands of acres of canopied forests. Because fires will naturally occur, fires started by humans can be dangerous and destructive to wildlife, natural flora, human establishments, and to human life. Each year, human caused wildfires result in lost jobs, lost homes, lost lives, and lost resources. In 2003, a campfire ignited a wildfire that closed that Hoback Canyon to road traffic and to river users for several days. Many local businesses that relied on the river and road access were affected.

Most wildfires that are caused by humans are started by careless campfire handling. When camping in the backcountry, you want to follow proper fire handling precautions:

• Always bring a portable stove with you.
• Build fires only in areas that permit them.
• Before you embark on your adventure, it is wise to call a ranger station to find out the fire hazard potential.
• Build fires only in designated fire rings and burn only fallen dead wood or purchased wood.
• Do not cut branches to use as firewood.
• Check the area for potential spark hazards.
• Never leave a fire unattended.
• Put out fires by stirring in water before you leave the campground.
• Do a final check for any remaining embers before you leave.

When heading out for your summer road trip to Jackson Hole, it is advisable to call ranger stations or highway patrol to find out which roads are closed due to wildfire danger. Rangers and patrol officers will gladly offer alternate routes to Jackson.