JACKSON, Wyo. — Four fires have been discovered across the Bridger-Teton National Forest in the last 24 hours. All are believed to be from recent lightning events over the area.
The Pass Fire was a single tree that was struck by lightning on the south side of Teton Pass in vicinity of the communication sites. Four Teton Interagency fire personnel were able to call the fire “controlled” Tuesday morning, August 25.
The Skull Fire is a quarter acre in size burning in a heavy conifer stand off of Forest Service Rd 30165 northeast of Mount Leidy. Five Teton Interagency fire personnel are currently working the fire.
The Iron Rim Fire is one tenth of an acre, burning in the Snake River Canyon between Bradley and Elk Mountain. Six Teton Interagency fire personnel were transported into the fire Tuesday morning, August 25 to begin suppression efforts.
The Smokehouse Fire is approximately 5 acres in size located 7 miles north of Togwotee Pass on the southern face of Smokehouse Mountain in the Teton Wilderness. The fire is believed to have started a week ago when a storm system moved through the area.
The fire is confined by old fire scars creating sporadic fuels along with steep, rocky, terrain significantly limiting its future spread potential. Due to the hazardous terrain, limited number of firefighting resources, difficulty of access, and lack of spread potential, no personnel are engaged on this fire.
Fire managers will be keeping a watchful eye on the progress of the Smokehouse Fire. If any significant changes in fire behavior occur these managers will reassess current tactics.
Even with rain in the forecast it is important to remain vigilant. Months of dry, windy conditions have cured the forest vegetation allowing fires to start easily and spread rapidly under most conditions.
