JACSKON, Wyo. — While the Fish Creek Fire continues to grow at breakneck speed, Bridger-Teton National Forest has deemed another fire in its bounds controlled and continues to fight two others.
The Cottonwood Creek Fire, northeast of Gunsight Pass and west of the Cottonwood Creek drainage, was declared contained and controlled at 12 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 22. The seven-acre blaze was first reported on Saturday, Aug. 17, a day after the Fish Creek Fire was spotted.
The Leeds Creek Fire, burning 16 miles southwest of Dubois in the forest’s Big Piney Ranger District, has been holding steady at 780 acres and was reported by BTNF to be 75% contained as of Friday, Aug. 23. The fire has been burning for over three weeks, having first been reported Aug. 1.
Trail and road closures remain in effect in the area of the Leeds Creek Fire. Union Pass Road and South Fork Fish Creek Trail are open, and a new route for the Continental Divide Trail has been established.
Meanwhile the lightning-caused Merna Butte Fire, first spotted Aug. 10, covered 153 acres and was 65% contained as of Thursday, BTNF reported.
“Smoke from the fire may continue to be visible as interior pockets of fuel within the fire area continue to burn,” BTNF noted in a release.
Fire crews continue working to suppress the Leeds Creek and Merna Butte Fires.
BTNF reminds visitors that the fire danger for the park remains at “High,” meaning that dead fuels ignite readily and unattended fires are likely to escape. People are urged to attend campfires and not leave them until they are cold.
