Photo provided by Bridger-Teton National Forest

The summer wildfire season is underway as firefighters were engaged with the Horse Fire in the Big Piney Ranger District. According to information from the Bridger-Teton National Forest, they hope to use “natural barriers and open meadows to establish a direct control line toward Prospect Peak.”

As a result, the crews are asking the public to avoid the area as they try and douse the blaze. “While the area remains open, unnecessary presence can hinder response efforts and put lives at risk,” the news released stated. “Your cooperation ensures a safer, more effective firefighting operation.”

Weather for the area is calling for more sunny and warm conditions with slightly above normal temperatures and breezy afternoon wind. A ten-percent chance of precipitation is in the forecast for Monday and into Tuesday.

Officials also remind the public that drones are prohibited near any fire area with a drone halting aerial firefighting efforts on Saturday.

“When unauthorized drones enter wildfire airspace, firefighting aircraft are often grounded to prevent midair collisions,” they said. “If you fly, we can’t.”