JACKSON, Wyo. — See that smoke in the air? Bridger-Teton National Forest Service (BTNF) has confirmed that a wildfire is burning near the Pilgrim Creek area, NE of Jackson.
At around 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2020, Buckrail received a tip that a forest fire was spotted near the northern entrance of Grand Teton National Park.
“It was pretty big,” native Jacksonite, Mischa Dziezyc, said. “It looked like it was right by the north entrance of Grand Teton National Park.”
The fire is currently known as the Pilgrim Creek Fire, located on the Blackrock ranger district. According to Teton Interagency Fire, the fire was spotted yesterday, Sept. 30. It was originally thought to be two fires, donning the names Pilgrim Creek 1 and Pilgrim Creek 2.
“The Pilgrim Creek Fire (formerly Pilgrim Creek 1 & 2) is burning in the Teton Wilderness,” Bridger-Teton National Forest Service said on their Facebook page. “Current estimation of size is 10 acres, personnel are on scene but had to pull back for their own safety. They will continue to look for opportunities to reengage as fire behavior and weather allows.”
Smoke clouds are visible throughout Teton County and Grand Teton National Park.
“There are no concerns for the fire impacting communities or infrastructure,” Teton Interagency Fire said. “Visitors in the Pilgrim Creek area must exercise caution and know where the fire is in relation to their location. No Closures or reason for concerns at this time. This makes 13 fires within a three day period on the Bridger Teton National Forest.”
The fire danger level around Jackson Hole was recently lowered to “HIGH”, however, officials warned that campfires are still restricted in many areas. This fire was spotted shortly after BTNF posted several warnings of fire danger on their social media.
Busy day on the Forest with firefighters chasing smoke reports, four new fires within a 24 hour period. All of these new…
Posted by U.S. Forest Service-Bridger-Teton National Forest on Tuesday, September 29, 2020
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but the area where it’s burning is popular among hunters this time of year.
Earlier this morning, BTNF mentioned that 12 fires (including Pilgrim Creek 1 and 2), have been spotted in the last 72 hours.
“Its time to do better! Drown, stir, feel, until your fire is dead out,” BTNF said. “If you are in an area that prohibits fires due to fire restrictions… do NOT have a fire.”
So far, in the past week, at least 29 homes and 31 outbuildings have been consumed by the Mullen Fire in SE Wyoming.
It’s plain and simple folks. If you’re out hunting or recreating plan to bring extras layers and not have a fire. Or just buy a better sleeping bag. It’s going to be cold, but your personal comfort is not above the lives and homes of hundreds of people.
