SUBLETTE COUNTY, WYO – Fire investigator officers and agents with US Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest have spent months continuing the investigation into the ignition of the Roosevelt Fire. Now the Forest Service is looking for help from the public.
The Roosevelt Fire began mid-September 2018 during a period of heavy recreation use. Many visitors were enjoying their public lands during the opening of rifle deer season. The incident led to the loss of numerous private homes and structures in the Bondurant area, as well as serious injuries to National Forest visitors. Money spent fighting the fire topped $26 million.
Investigators have determined the Roosevelt fire to be human caused, originating from an abandoned warming fire in the upper reaches of the Hoback River drainage. The fire ignited approximately three miles west of the Upper Hoback Trailhead, from a small topographic bench, on a steep timbered slope, approximately 110 yards above the trail, on the south side of the canyon. The area is located approximately three-quarters of a mile east of the lower reaches of Roosevelt Meadows, just inside the Sublette County line.
It’s believed the involved person or persons may have used this location as an observation or resting point while passing through the area. Numerous people were present in the backcountry that weekend that may be able to contribute information helpful to the investigation.
Investigators would like to hear from visitors who passed through the area between mid-afternoon on Friday, September 14 and early morning on Saturday, September 15. Anyone with information as to the cause of the incident, or persons responsible, is urged to contact US Forest Service Law Enforcement at 208-557-5852. Please leave a detailed message with information as to how investigators may reach you.
