JACKSON, Wyo. — After being discovered yesterday, the Bare Fire on the Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) has grown to an estimated 431 acres, according to InciWeb.
Burning in heavy timber, the blaze is located north of Bare Pass and east of Bare Creek. Yesterday, it exhibited active fire behavior and spread onto Bureau of Land Management land east of BTNF “before moderating in the early evening,” a Wednesday morning update from BTNF states. When it was discovered, it was approximately 15 acres in size, according to the National Interagency Wildfire Enterprise Geospatial Portal. The fire’s cause has yet to be determined.
Teton Interagency Fire engines and firefighting staff are on the scene along with Sublette County resources. BTNF noted that a type 3 incident management team has been ordered, which will be a multi-agency organization of firefighting specialists that handle incidents of moderate complexity and exceed the local forest’s capacity.
“Fire managers are implementing direct extinguishment and indirect confinement strategies on the Bare Fire,” BTNF stated, later adding, “Today, crews will focus on strengthening the established anchor point, providing a secure starting location for building fireline. Firefighters will work to construct direct line along the north and south flanks of the fire. Aerial resources will continue to support ground operations, working to slow fire spread along the eastern edge.”
The public is asked to avoid Bare Creek Road (FS 10046) and South Cottonwood Road (FS 10050) so fire crews can work safely and efficiently. A closure order of the area is forthcoming, per BTNF.
Air quality in Jackson Hole today looks like an improvement over recent days, despite the new blaze. According to AirNow.gov, the valley appears to be within a pocket of acceptable air.
Critical fire weather is expected in the Big Piney and Pinedale regions today, created by low humidity and strong wind gusts. Keep these tips for dealing with wildfire smoke handy.
