Update: 1:30 p.m. Sept.2: Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center released an update this afternoon. The fire has grown to 45 acres. A drone disrupted aviation operations yesterday afternoon. “During the time of halted air operations, there was an observed increase in fire activity with temperatures warming and fuels drying out.”
JACKSON, Wyo. — The Sawtell Fire is currently burning on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The fire is located about a quarter mile from Sawtell Peak on the Island Park Ranger District, about 100 miles from Jackson. As of yesterday Sept. 1, the fire was 29.8 acres in size and 0% contained, according to the Forest Service.
The fire was discovered on Aug. 31, at around 2 p.m. The cause has been attributed to lightning. Two crews, three engines, one Type 3 helicopter, two scoopers, and one air attack are being used to fight the fire. Flight operations were halted yesterday afternoon due to drone activity in the area.
Yesterday, three fires were discovered in the McCammon and Inkom areas of Idaho along Interstate 15. According to the Idaho State Journal, all three fires were contained as of late Thursday night.
A number of small fires have also been caused by lightning strikes in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Since Aug. 19, five, less than one-acre fires have ignited, according to Teton Interagency Fire.
Yesterday, a fire was discovered in the Corral Creek Lake area of Bridger-Teton National Forest on the Greys River Ranger District. According to Teton Interagency Fire, the fire is creeping and smoldering and is .10 acres in size. The cause remains undetermined.
Fire danger was lowered to moderate on Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge on Aug. 10.
In Yellowstone National Park, the fire danger is currently high. The Gray fire, discovered on Aug. 29, also caused by lightning, grew to .10 acres and is now contained, according to the park.
There are no fire restrictions at this time in Yellowstone, campfires are only permitted within established fire rings in campgrounds and some backcountry campsites.
According to Buckrail Meteorologist Alan Smith, we are entering an extended stretch of dry weather along with above-average temperatures. Highs are expected to reach 90 degrees in Jackosn this Labor Day weekend.
“We could also see some occasional “haziness” in the skies as light smoke from fires in Idaho and the Northwest drift into the area from time to time, but significant impacts are not expected at this time,” according to Smith.
The full weather report for Aug. 30-Sept. 5 is available here.
