EBS STAFF
Officials across the greater Yellowstone area are warning that the summer of 2026 could bring severe wildfire conditions, citing low snowpack, higher than average temperatures and early fire activity, reminiscent of 1988 when the region experienced devastating wildfire.
The Greater Yellowstone Fire Action Network reminds residents and business owners that May is Wildfire Awareness Month and urges proper preparedness sooner rather than later. GYFAN is a network consisting of organizations, agencies and communities within the greater Yellowstone region that work together to address challenges communities and the landscape face with wildfire. The goal of the network is to promote fire adapted communities across the ecosystem and support a fire resilient landscape.
A good start to prepare this year is to attend a community workshop and take practical steps to reduce risk, such as clearing debris from around homes, maintaining gutters and vents, and creating evacuation plans, explained a press release from the GYFAN. GYFAN emphasizes that most wildfires are preventable and simple precautions around your home are easy to apply..
“You don’t have to be perfect, or adhere to all the recommendations but start somewhere,” said Teton County Idaho Fire Chief Mike Maltaverne in the release. “It may be raking dead and down material around your home, changing out the screens on your eaves or developing an evacuation plan. Start small and simple and improve or expand your efforts. Every bit of effort can help.”
The network also promotes long-term resilience through community programs, home safety assessments and public education about living with wildfire, including the role fire plays in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
For more information about GYFAN, visit their website or sign up for their mailing list by emailing gyfireactionnetwork@gmail.com.
