Grouse Mountain burn going well

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Teton Interagency Fire resources were able to treat approximately 48 acres of the 365-acre Grouse Mountain Rx yesterday. Fire managers will evaluate weather and fuels conditions today to assess if the unit is still within the parameters to continue ignitions. Smoke will likely remain visible in the area for the next few days.

The Blackrock Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest began ignitions on the Grouse Mountain prescribed fire Monday, October 4. The unit is up to 365-acres, approximately seven miles south of US Highway 26/287 in the vicinity of Grouse Mountain.

The Grouse Mountain prescribed fire unit is designed to restore whitebark pine habitat and study the effects of other treatments on the species. Whitebark pine numbers have been on the decline throughout the Bridger-Teton and across the west due to blister rust infections and the mountain pine beetle. This burn will not only attempt to promote the propagation of the whitebark pine species, it will also allow researchers to continue to find new treatments to aid forest managers throughout the region in preserving other five-need species.

Ignition operations are expected to take place over three days as conditions permit. Ground and aviation resources will be conducting both firing and holding operations and crews will remain on the unit until it is secure. Due to the remote location of the burn, it is not anticipated that there will be any significant smoke impacts to local communities, though smoke will be visible.