Leigh Canyon
Teton Interagency firefighters responded to the Leigh Canyon Fire Saturday September 15th after reports of smoke in the area. Fire management staff assessed management options for the long term management of the fire. The fire, located about one mile above Leigh Canyon from the west side of Leigh Lake at about 7,600 feet in elevation and burned approximately 3.5 acres, burning in downed trees and avalanche debris, with isolated torching. The fire cause was never definitively determined. The fire was called out on October 25 after long periods of the fire not showing any activity and multiple wetting rain/snow events.
Fire plays a vital role in the ecosystem. Many tree and other species are adapted to fire, and surface fire reduces fuel loads. Fire management objectives always include firefighter and public safety, and protection of park infrastructure, while monitoring the fire as it fulfills its natural role in the landscape.