Grand Teton Plans Fall Pile Burns Near Developed Areas

Grand Teton National Park plans to begin burning debris piles as early as November 9 near Colter Bay, Beaver Creek, Elk Ranch and Kelly Pit. Burning could continue over the next several months when weather, smoke dispersal and fire conditions allow.

What this means for your visit

Visitors may see smoke on ignition days near the planned burn locations. Smoke could remain in those areas for several days afterward.

The park has not announced closures connected to the burns. Timing will vary because crews will proceed only when wet weather or snow has created low fire behavior conditions, smoke can disperse adequately and flames are unlikely to spread outside the piles.

Smoke may affect visibility along nearby roads. If it lingers, roadside signs will advise drivers to turn on headlights for safer travel. Visitors traveling near Colter Bay, Beaver Creek, Elk Ranch or Kelly Pit should watch for signs and changing conditions.

Because crews cannot provide exact ignition dates far in advance, visitors should check current Grand Teton National Park fire information before traveling through affected areas.

Background

The piles contain wood and brush gathered during projects intended to lower wildfire risk in developed parts of the park. Fuel reduction work includes thinning trees, cutting lower branches and clearing dead wood and brush from the forest floor.

Firefighters arrange the material in pyramid-shaped piles and allow it to dry for a year before burning. Burning is the final stage of that thinning work.

Fire management personnel will monitor the piles during and after ignition. Their work will focus on ensuring that the material burns completely while continuing to assess fire and smoke conditions. Public and firefighter safety will guide burn operations.

Source: National Park Service news release, November 2, 2026.