JACKSON, Wyo. — Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) crews are responding to two new fires in the Jackson Ranger District this weekend.
The lightning-caused Fish Creek Fire is burning in approximately five acres of heavy timber, according to BTNF’s Facebook post. The fire is burning near Lava Mountain, near Moccasin Basin, in the North Fork of Fish Creek between Hardscrabble Creek and Red Creek, and on the south side of US 26/287. BTNF has responded with helicopter and bucket work. Teton Interagency Fire reports that the fire was discovered on Friday, Aug. 16, by a small aircraft flying the Fish Creek area. At this time, there are no road or trail closures associated with this fire.
“The Fish Creek Fire is growing and showing considerable smoke, visible from Jackson, Moran, Dubois, Pinedale and the Upper Green,” BTNF’s post said. “The Bridger-Teton National Forest has resources on scene. Agency managers are working on initial attack and a response beyond today’s efforts.”
In addition, BTNF is dealing with the Cottonwood Fire near Cottonwood Creek, another source of smoke in the area. Firefighters and a helicopter are also responding to this one-acre fire, which is burning in dead and down timber and younger mixed-conifer in the Sohare Creek area, northeast of Gunsight Pass and west of Cottonwood Creek drainage, BTNF posted.
Fire danger on BTNF remains high, as it has been since early July, meaning fires can start easily and spread quickly. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at (307) 739-3630. For more on fire safety, see the agency’s website.
