Pile burning could begin next week near Pinedale
PINEDALE, Wyo. — As winter conditions arrive over the Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), fuels crews will soon begin pile burning operations throughout the district.
According to a BTNF press release, pile burning near the communities of Bondurant, Merna and Pinedale could begin as soon as Tuesday, Nov. 12. Pile burning may continue through December, depending on weather and fuels conditions.
The fuels reduction programs involve mechanical or hand thinning projects that remove trees to reduce forest density and improve forest health. Hand piles result from crews using chainsaws to thin the forest and then piling the sawn unmarketable limbs, saplings and brush.
Piles are only ignited when fuels managers are confident that the project can be undertaken safely and successfully, BTNF writes. Snow cover, fuel moisture, precipitation, wind, temperature and available firefighter staffing are all considered before beginning a pile burn.
Piles which are ready for burning are prioritized based on elevation, aspect, access and proximity to homes. Smoke, flames and glowing embers will often be visible, and BTNF confirms they are a normal part of pile burning operations.
"Public and firefighter safety is always the number one priority in burning operations," BTNF writes.
Snow will help contain the piles and firefighters will monitor the area during and after the burn.
