Fire Crews Conduct Prescribed Burns Across Western Wyoming as Winter Arrives

With winter weather settling over Wyoming and snow blanketing parts of the state, fire managers have begun conducting prescribed burns to reduce the risk of wildfires during the warmer months, Wyoming Public Media reports.

These controlled burns, part of an ongoing strategy to manage forest fuels, are taking place in areas across western Wyoming.

The process begins with crews collecting dead wood, brush, and low-hanging tree limbs in a practice known as fuel reduction. Once these materials have dried, they are burned under specific weather conditions to minimize the likelihood of flames spreading beyond the intended area. The goal is to create safer landscapes by reducing the volume of potential wildfire fuel.

“Smaller controlled burns in the colder and snowier months mean less likelihood of an out-of-control fire in the hotter and drier months,” officials explained.

Teton Interagency Fire crews have started prescribed burns in Grand Teton National Park, targeting areas near the Bar BC Ranch, Colter Bay, Elk Ranch Flats, Beaver Creek, and Grassy Island. The efforts, expected to continue for several months, aim to mitigate wildfire risk while ensuring the safety of nearby communities and ecosystems.

During the burns, smoke may be visible and could linger for days. To alert travelers, roadside signs will advise drivers to use headlights for increased visibility. Fire crews will monitor the burning piles closely to ensure they are fully consumed and do not spread.

Elsewhere, Bridger-Teton National Forest teams have conducted similar burns near Teton Pass, La Barge, and Pinedale earlier this month. These areas are not far from the sites of the Fish Creek Fire and Pack Trail Fire, which collectively scorched nearly 100,000 acres last year. Prescribed burning in these regions is a proactive step to manage future fire risk.

While the immediate effects of prescribed burns include visible smoke and occasional travel disruptions, the long-term benefits are significant. By reducing the fuel available for wildfires, these controlled burns play a critical role in preventing larger, more destructive fires during Wyoming’s dry season.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay informed about local burn schedules and potential impacts on air quality and travel as these projects continue through the winter.