Kemmerer, Wyo. — – The Kemmerer District of Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued a closure order for the Shale Creek Fire including some access trails and forest roads. The closures are effective until Aug. 30.
Currently, the Shale Creek fire, located in the Shale Creek Drainage north of Kemmerer in Lincoln County, is about 160 acres and 10% contained. The fire began on July 16. The cause is unknown.
According to a release from the Forest Service, firefighters made significant progress on July 20, through combined efforts of aviation and ground resources. A total of 151 personnel are working to suppress the fire. Crews have found and suppressed nearly 80 spot fires.
Fire on this recently burnt landscape can improve habitat for game and grazing, says Bridger-Teton National Forest, but full suppression is the goal, to protect structures, permit areas and sage grouse habitat to the east and south.
“We are in a good place operationally,” said Incident Commander Trainee Jacob
Henrie. “The fire had no significant growth over a full burn period and through wind
events.”
On the evening of July 20, firefighters had an unexpected visitor. A young, lost, hungry, unharmed sheep dog was found wandering near the line. Bridger-Teton National Forest staff were able to match him with a grazing permit holder. When sheep and sheepherders moved downhill and south away from the fire, it seems that this recent hire was left behind.
After a hike then a ride out on a support UTV, he was reunited with his owners that night.
