Caribou-Targhee National Forest continues with fall Prescribed Fire operations
POCATELLO, Idaho, September 25, 2025— The Caribou-Targhee National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations beginning Friday, September 26 on the Westside Ranger District, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the weekend as weather conditions allow.
Firefighters plane to ignite a pre identified unit in Toponce Basin off Maggie’s Road. As in previous years, smoke may be visible to nearby communities such as Chesterfield and Bancroft, as well as public recreating in the area.
The proposed burn is part of the Forest Service’s ongoing multi-year project to improve wildlife habitat and manage forest fuels. “Aspen regeneration has a reciprocal relationship with fire,” said Jose Conteras, Westside Ranger District Assistant Fuels Management Officer. “Aspen growth and resiliency increases after ground disturbance from fire. This creates a more diverse landscape and provides healthier habitat for wildlife.”
Prescribed fires planned for the area include:
• Toponce Pine Hollow Unit: 450 acres, seven miles west of Chesterfield, Idaho, Westside Ranger District
Watch for warning signs along roads and trails near all prescribed fire areas before and during planned burns. Hazards to the public may include rapidly spreading flames, smoke, falling snags and rolling rocks.
Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. Go to https://fire.airnow.gov/ to find more detailed information about air quality. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
For more information on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, visit Caribou-Targhee National Forest - Home (usda.gov), follow us on Twitter (@Caribou_Targhee), or like on Facebook (www.facebook.com/USFSCaribouTarghee). To learn more about the benefits of prescribed fire and the role wildfire has in the ecosystem, contact the Westside Ranger District Office at 208-236-7500.
