JACKSON, Wyo. — Wildfire season already?
Teton Interagency Fire crews were mobilized on Wednesday to respond to the Spread Creek Fire, estimated to be 257 acres in size near Sagebrush Flat in the Spread Creek Drainage. When it was discovered early in the afternoon, it was 2 acres in size. The blaze is located about 3 miles south of US26/287 on Bridger-Teton National Forest’s (BTNF) Blackrock Ranger District. BTNF’s Thursday morning update revealed that the fire was caused by lightning.
“Despite a quick initial response, thunderstorms, strong winds, and dry conditions contributed to active fire behavior with torching and spotting yesterday afternoon and evening,” BTNF shared Thursday. “Some evening rain aided firefighting efforts by knocking down flames in the sage and grass. Firefighting resources took advantage of this and engaged the fire to establish an anchor point — a secure, strategic location firefighters use to initiate fireline construction.”
The firefighting plan for today includes constructing a fireline utilizing ground and air resources to minimize spread, BTNF said. Active fire behavior is anticipated in the afternoon hours as temperatures rise and winds increase. Approximately 150 personnel will be assigned to the fire, per BTNF. A type-3 fire organization has been established, including the following resources already on the scene: a type-3 helicopter, a wildland fire module, two type-3 engines and a 10-person module.
Today will bring an air attack supervision plane, three interagency hotshot crews, two type-2 initial attack crews and additional wildland fire engines.
“The public is asked to avoid the Hatchet and Flagstaff roads and fire area so crews can continue to work safely and efficiently,” BTNF posted.
Keep track of the fire on InciWeb.
