JACKSON, Wyo. — The lightning-sparked Kinky Creek Fire is now more than half contained, according to a Friday update by the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF).
The 880-acre blaze — west of Darwin Ranch in the Gros Ventre Wilderness on the Jackson Ranger District of BTNF — is considered 56% contained. Recent rainfall calmed fire activity, allowing fire crews to make headway strengthening containment lines and securing portions of the fire perimeter. Also helpful in the suppression effort: water-scooping aircraft.
“When you see a Super Scooper overhead, you’re witnessing one of the most remarkable tools in wildfire response,” Grand Teton National Park shared along with photos of the planes picking up water from Jackson Lake. “These 30,000-pound amphibious aircraft with wings nearly as long as a Boeing 737’s can skim across lakes scooping up 1,400 gallons (more than 6 tons) of water in just 12 seconds. Minutes later, they’re back over the fire, releasing that water with precision to help suppress flames, cool hotspots, and support firefighters on the ground.”
Two Super Scoopers were assigned to Kinky Creek. On June 30, the pair of planes dropped 36,712 gallons of water from Jackson Lake onto the fire, according to BTNF.
As crews continue to gain control, the previously implemented “Set” status affecting Darwin Ranch and nearby private lands was lifted on Thursday afternoon. Teton County Emergency Management issues protective orders related to emergencies on a “Ready, Set, Go” scale.
“As containment increases and suppression objectives are achieved, excess resources are being released to support other incidents across the region,” BTNF noted in its Friday update. “Personnel assigned to the fire have been reduced to 114.”
A closure order remains in effect in the fire area. Avoid Kinky Creek Road; Kinky Creek and Clear Creek trails; and the Brewster, Lunch, and Chateau Lake areas to allow firefighters space to work safely and efficiently.
