JACKSON, Wyo. — A new fire is burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF).
Reported by an outfitter on the afternoon of Thursday, Oct. 23, the Mill Creek Fire is ablaze on the Pinedale Ranger District. According to a Facebook post from BTNF, the fire is located near Green River Lakes, north of the Green River. The wildfire grew quickly from a single tree to 57 acres. Current fire danger on BTNF is “low.”
“The fire started approximately 500 feet from a private parcel of land with structures,” said the social media post. “The fire did not reach the private land.”
Teton Interagency Fire noted on its website that there are three engines responding, including one from Grand Teton National Park. A total of 20 firefighters are on the blaze, and a type-3 helicopter and additional personnel will be available if needed.
Crews fought the fire into the night on Thursday, and cold temperatures assisted in slowing the fire activity. Responders will work to keep the fire inside its current footprint. Teton Interagency Fire stated that “unseasonably warm and dry weather” is forecast through Saturday, with possible moisture Saturday night and Sunday.
BTNF asks the public to refrain from reporting the fire, to stay clear of the burning area and to use caution on roadways due to fire traffic and pockets of smoke. There are no closures associated with the fire. The cause is under investigation.
The Mill Creek Fire is burning not far from where the Dollar Lake Fire raged just months ago. According to Teton Interagency Fire, the Dollar Lake Fire is controlled as of Oct. 20, and currently stands at 19,408 acres. The closures surrounding the fire have been scaled back to only include the Green River Lakes Campground.
