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Fire rating increased in Tetons

Fire officials have elevated the fire danger rating to "high" for both Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park.

Jackie Scaggs is a spokeswoman for Grand Teton National Park. She says one of the biggest factors for the rating comes from a drier-than-normal season.

"We definitely had a wet spring, and we had an wet, early summer through June, but July actually had less moisture, less precipitation than we normally do and we have continued that trend into August. So the heavy fuels in the forest are drier than normal for this time of year."

Scaggs says the fire danger ratings system falls under low, moderate, high, very high and extreme. She says that while the elevated rating of "high" is in the middle of the pack, park visitors should still exercise caution while in the Grand Teton or Bridger Teton parks.

People responsible for leaving an unattended camp fire can be fined 225-dollars, and can be held liable for suppression costs should they start a wildfire.