JACKSON, Wyo. — Residents can return home after being evacuated from a fire that started south of town yesterday.

The Swinging Bridge fire on the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest started around 4:30 p.m. yesterday, Sept. 6.

Thanks to a quick response from Teton Interagency Fire personnel and Teton County Fire and EMS the fire was held to 102 acres. The response included two engines from Teton Interagency Fire, ten engines and water tenders from Teton County Fire and EMS, along with two type 3 helicopters and multiple fixed-wing air tankers.

Planes were seen deploying fire retardant on scene at the Swinging Bridge Fire Sunday night. Photo: Kodi Smith

Teton County Emergency Management and the Teton County Sheriff’s Department issued an evacuation notice for Henry’s road, Game Creek, Squaw Creek, and Porcupine Subdivisions. Fire personnel was able to focus their efforts, and as a result, there was no damage to any homes. Residents are now able to return back home. The only closure that remains is on Henry’s Road from Swinging Bridge to Porcupine Creek.

Crews responded to the Swinging Bridge Fire last night south of Jackson. Nearby residents were evacuated and later allowed to return home the following morning. Photo: Nick Sulzer // Buckrail

Resources remained on the fire overnight providing point protection for homes as well as power and communication infrastructure in the area. Today more resources will be arriving to assist the effort of securing the perimeter and reaching containment.

Lower temperatures and some expected precipitation should give the firefighters a hand as they remain on scene.  However, crews will be watching closely as high winds are forecasted ahead of the precipitation that is predicted. Smoke will be visible in the area as pockets of unburned fuel within the perimeter clean themselves up. The community is asked to refrain from calling this activity into dispatch, resources are on scene and will be addressing any areas of concern.

A burnt hillside on the morning of Sept. 7. Photo: Jacob Gore // Buckrail

This fire serves as a reminder to all that our vegetation is stressed and very receptive to fire. Even with cooler weather the next few days, fires can start easily and grow rapidly under the right conditions which we saw yesterday under a red flag warning. Please be extra careful with anything that could possibly ignite a fire, this includes tow chains, chainsaws, and vehicles parking on tall grass. Fire restrictions are still in effect across the Forest and many surrounding counties.