JACKSON, Wyo. — At about 3:30 p.m. yesterday the Sandy Fire was reported on the Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Last reported at about 15 acres in size, the fire is in the Cliff Creek drainage near Monument Ridge and is burning in timber and spotting into continuous fuels
The fire is approximately six miles west of Bondurant and smoke may be visible from US-189/191.
According to Bridger-Teton National Forest, The fire is being suppressed with support from a Type -3 helicopter, 2 engines, and firefighters from Pinedale, Kemmerer and Jackson Ranger Districts. A Type 2 handcrew has been ordered.
Type 3 helicopters carry nearly 300 gallons of water in each bucket drop and are a useful tool in supporting firefighters on the ground by addressing spot fires ahead of the main fire front or hot spots within the fire area, says BTNF. A Type 2 handcrew is comprised of 20 firefighters trained in wildland firefighting operations.
There are no road or trail closures associated with this fire, although visitors in the area of Sandy and Marshall Creeks, especially near Forest Service Trailhead 139 should use caution. The fire danger rating is at Moderate for the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Another fire was discovered yesterday evening in the Pinedale Ranger District. Firefighters from Sublette County Unified Fire responded to this fire and were able to complete a containment line around the perimeter of the fire to prevent the spread from creeping.
Currently, the .10 acre fire is smoldering and the Bridger-Teton Engine 421 crew will be working the fire today. The cause of the fire was determined to be lightning.
According to Teton Interagency fire, 10 unattended campfires have been discovered so far this summer season.
