JACKSON, Wyo. — The Fish Creek Fire now burns across 25,052 acres in the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), according to an update from BTNF on Thursday, Sept. 19. Fire activity has been minimal over the past week as rainy conditions have prevailed; BTNF said it will no longer be providing daily updates on the wildfire. The fire has been burning for more than a month, having sparked from lightning on Aug. 16.
BTNF reports that 349 total personnel are working on the fire, and that its firefighting strategy is now 79% complete. Nine hand crews, three engines, two helicopters and 13 pieces of heavy equipment are on the scene.
“The fire continues to smolder in heavy timber, litter, dead and down timber, and younger mixed conifers, despite recent moisture and light snow,” BTNF’s update said. “Minimal fire behavior is expected, but creeping, smoldering and backing behavior of the fire will continue with an occasional single tree torching. Care with fire of any kind is still advised across the entire region.”
The closure order surrounding the fire was amended on Tuesday as fire activity decreases, opening the areas north of US26 that previously had been closed. BTNF notes that numerous hazards will remain in those areas. See details regarding the closure here.
Firefighters’ basecamp is now located in Dubois Town Park. Look out for additional traffic in that area.
A new incident response team will take over on Friday morning. Work is expected to continue along US26 and in other areas of the fire close to points of interest.
“Aside from continued smoldering and isolated torching, the fire footprint is putting up minimal smoke,” BTNF’s update said.
Buckrail will continue to provide fire updates as more information becomes available.
