JACKSON, Wyo. — The Pack Trail Fire has grown to 89,186 acres as of today, Oct. 17, the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) has shared in an update.
This is a jump from yesterday’s update, when BTNF reported that the fire was 86,555 acres. Confinement remains at 62% for both yesterday and today.
While weeks of dry weather and 70-degree temperatures will be changing as a Pacific storm system moves in, the incoming winter conditions will be bringing safety hazards associated with driving on icy roads and causing nightshift staffing on the Pack Trail Fire to be suspended going forward.
Deputy Operations Section Chief Trainee Kendal Wilson also notes helicopters might not get up in the air today due to weather.
According to the BTNF, Teton Interagency Fire managers are continuing to maintain the Very High Fire Danger Rating for Grand Teton National Park, the BTNF, the Shoshone National Forest and the National Elk Refuge.
However, BTNF does anticipate that the colder weather and precipitation will suppress fire activity and reduce smoke. After precipitation ends on Friday, BTNF will reevaluate to see if a forecast of “moderate” air quality is warranted for Highway 26, the Gross Ventre Valley and the Green River Valley after days of “unhealthy” air quality.
