CODY, Wyo. (AP) — Shoshone National Forest officials say skies could get a bit smoky east of the Wind River Range in the days and weeks ahead.

Forest officials plan to burn piles of timber, known as slash piles. Slash piles consist of trees and underbrush that have been cleared to reduce the risk of wildfires that can destroy property.

The arrival of cold, snowy weather makes it possible to burn the piles safely.

Slash piles will be burned in the upper Wind River, Horse Creek and Sinks Canyon areas. Slash piles also will be burned near the Pass Creek subdivision south of Lander and the Union Pass subdivision outside Dubois.

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