JACKSON, Wyo. — Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) has shared an update on the Fish Creek Fire, which burns across 11,507 acres in the Jackson Ranger District, as of Friday, Aug. 30.
BTNF reported that the fire’s size was 11,462 acres on Thursday, Aug. 29. In its Friday update, BTNF notes that its firefighting strategy is focused on containment of the fire, using natural barriers to stop the fire from spreading. As part of that containment strategy, BTNF said it might choose to fight fire with fire to control the perimeter.
“If conditions allow, aerial firing operations will be used to clean up some pockets of unburned fuels on the east and northeast side of the fire,” BTNF’s update reads. “This will be done to reduce the available fuel near the edge of the fire and reduce the opportunity for the fire to build momentum and energy and spread to the northeast towards the values of risk. An increase in smoke visible from the fire area will occur during firing operations.”
BTNF’s response team includes 495 total personnel. Friday’s update says they’re using nine hand crews, 17 engines, one dozer, eight pieces of heavy equipment and five helicopters. The lightning-caused fire was first reported on Aug. 16, spotted in the remote Fish Creek Drainage area of BTNF.
