JACKSON, Wyo. — The Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) posted to social media channels on Thursday, July 3, describing the current wildfire environment that has been caused by thunderstorms on Tuesday and Wednesday.

According to the agency, there are eight reported wildfires burning on BTNF land. Since the onset of storms on Tuesday evening, over 4,000 lightning strikes have been recorded on the forest.

BTNF firefighters have been situated within the forest, ready to respond to wildfires caused by lightning strikes, and in anticipation of coming storms. The agency says that a full-suppression strategy is underway, which is helping to keep these fires small.

Afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence in the
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Buckrail photographer
Nick Sulzer captured this lightning strike near Palisades
Reservoir in June. Video: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail.

“Firefighters will be seen across the forest throughout the next few days looking for new fires that may start in the hours and days after other lightning strikes,” BTNF wrote. “Bridger-Teton firefighters are also responding to mutual aid calls from other firefighting agencies.”

These eight fires are in addition to the Horse Fire on the Big Piney Ranger District. BTNF issued its final daily update on the Horse Fire earlier this week. According to InciWeb, the Horse Fire is burning at 2,793 acres and is 67% contained.

BTNF is asking the public to avoid areas where firefighters are working so that they can extinguish these blazes as soon as possible. Report wildfires to Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at (307) 739-3630. Keep an eye on regional fire danger on the Teton Interagency Fire website.

The following fires have been reported on BTNF:

  • Man Peak Fire, 1/10 acre – Greys River Ranger District
  • Pine Grove Fire, 3 acres, contained – Big Piney Ranger District
  • Alkali Fire, 1 acre – Jackson Ranger District
  • Maki Fire, 1/10 acre – Big Piney Ranger District
  • Kitten Fire, 1 acre – Blackrock Ranger District
  • Irene Creek Fire, no size reported – Big Piney Ranger District
  • Dry Basin Fire, 1/10 acre – Big Piney Ranger District
  • Grover Park – Greys River Ranger District, firefighters are responding to a report of smoke

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.