PINEDALE – As the skies fill with haze from wildfires in neighboring Montana, Teton Interagency Fire managers announced a shift from “moderate” to “high” fire danger in the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) on Tuesday, Aug. 1, following the combination of hot temperatures, and dry, windy afternoons as late summer approaches the region.

In addition to BTNF, the rise in fire danger also accounts for areas including Grand Teton National Park (GTNP), National Elk Refuge and the Teton Interagency Dispatch Area.

High fire danger is announced when fires can start easily and spread quickly. Fire managers take into account numerous factors when assessing the fire conditions, including moisture content of vegetation, along with projected weather conditions, how easily a fire can spread after ignition, and availability of firefighting resources, according to Teton Interagency Fire.

According to BTNF’s East Zone fire prevention education specialist Nan Stinson, the large snowpack that came last winter made a big difference in keeping the area in good shape compared to last July.

“We’re at about average for fire season,” Stinson said. “Last year, we were drier in July than this year. The snow this winter helped.”

With the move to increased fire danger, local agencies are ramping up their efforts to make the upcoming total solar eclipse – anticipated to bring thousands to western Wyoming’s national forest lands in the days leading up to Aug. 21 – safe and free of wildfire.

Stinson says the eclipse will occur in the heart of fire season, and forest service officials expect a lot of folks to be out recreating in the forest that may not be aware of regulations or fire safety.

“We want to remind people that even if it seems green, they need to put their fires out,” Stinson said. “Make sure to use water, a shovel, and stir it up. Make sure it is cold to the touch. If grass isn’t green or is crunchy under your foot, it will ignite.”

What can often occur is when folks get ready to depart camp in the morning; dew from the night can make areas seem wetter than they actually are. As daytime temperatures heat up and winds increase, fuels can quickly go from damp to dry and the fire that seemed safe could potentially have hot embers intact that spread to areas surrounding the fire.

“People often put water on it; they just don’t make sure it is out,” Stinson noted. “If recreating, make sure to bring water to put out the fire.”

She said abandoned campfires are often the cause of wildland fires occurring and stressed the importance of putting the fire completely out before leaving the area.

According to the Teton Interagency Fire, visitors have abandoned 56 campfires on the BTNF and in GTNP so far this summer. Campers should remember that they could be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.

Other helpful tips to avoid sparking up a fire include not parking vehicles in tall grass, as hot exhaust pipes can spark the grass beneath. In addition, it is important to make sure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle, as this can throw sparks and start a fire. Stinson suggested crossing chains over the tongue of the trailer or Velcro chains up to ensure there is enough room to safely turn, but without chains dragging.

Fireworks are not permitted on BTNF land, and officials require that everyone comply with this regulation, especially in a time of high fire danger with dry vegetation and warm temperatures present.

Sublette County Unified Fire Chief Shad Cooper said there are ways locals can lessen the risk of personal property damage during times of high fire danger. He suggested visiting www.firewise.org, to stay up to date on ways to reduce risk to personal property.

“General cleanup and the clearing up of debris makes a big difference,” Cooper said. “If there is a fire near your home, embers from the fire can land in a receptor fuel bed. Remove fuel beds and take steps to try to reduce risk by using Fire Wise construction materials.”

He says fire danger is a big concern and that a significant amount of time is spent assessing current conditions in order to keep the local public abreast with up-to-date information.