JACKSON, Wyo. — After the Teton Interagency Helitack, a 20-person firefighting crew based in Jackson, flew the Leeds Creek Fire area and mapped a more precise GPS perimeter, it was determined that the fire is smaller in size than originally estimated.
On Tuesday, August 6, GPS mapping showed that interior meadows along drainages within the fire perimeter haven’t been burning. Because of this, reported fire acreage has dropped from 1,230 acres to 845 acres in size with 13% containment, as of 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, August 7.
Since the fire was first reported at 10:47 a.m. on Thursday, August 1, crews have continued their efforts to suppress the fire, located on the Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The Leeds Creek Fire is burning in mixed conifer, areas of logging slash and heavy dead and down fuels approximately 16 miles southwest of Dubois, according to the U.S. Forest Service (USFS).
“Minimal fire growth occurred yesterday, and the area received 0.1 inch of rain,” the U.S. Forest Service/Bridger-Teton National Forest said via Facebook. “Expect to see increased fire activity during the afternoon hours when it is hotter and drier. More precipitation is predicted, with gusty outflow winds.”
The Forest Service reported that fire crews will continue to reinforce established control lines to prevent future spotting, which is the transport of burning pieces of wood by the wind. The fire is currently staffed by 112 personnel.
The Leeds Creek Area, Roads, and Trails Closure Order (map) has been established for public and firefighter safety. The Union Pass Road and South Fork Fish Creek Trail remain open under this closure. A reroute for the Continental Divide Trail has also been established. Visit the Continental Divide Trail Coalition’s Closures and Alerts webpage to learn more. Updates on the Leeds Creek Fire are available here.
