Trapper Fire
The Trapper Fire was started by lightning and is burning in the Bridger Wilderness about 2 miles north of Fremont Lake. USFS photo.
|
|
Four small wildfires burn on BTNF
All small, being allowed to burn to benefit resources
August 14, 2005
Four small wildfires are being allowed to burn on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), including one small fire in the Bridger Wilderness two miles north of Fremont Lake. All four fires are being managed for resource benefit to improve habitat or reduce fire fuel conditions in their immediate areas. A recent spell of cooler weather has helped keep wildfires at a minimum.
Fire conditions are still moderate, however no restrictions are currently in effect, as of Saturday, August 14th, according to the latest news reports from fire managers. The Bridger-Teton National Forest Fire Management Plan establishes criteria by which naturally occurring fires can be managed. Fires that do not meet the criteria include all human caused fires and other naturally occurring fires with unacceptable risk.
Trapper Fire – Bridger Wilderness
The Trapper Fire is located in the Bridger Wilderness approximately two miles north of Fremont Lake. It is approximately ¼ acres in size and has smoldered over the past few days. This fire has the potential to increase size in favorable weather conditions.
The lightning-caused Trapper Fire was detected on Saturday, August 6 approximately 0.5 miles west of Glimpse Lake in the Trapper Creek drainage. The fire is located in steep, uneven, timbered terrain which poses a risk to
firefighter safety. The fire is being monitored daily and management actions taken as deemed necessary. A combination of helicopters and pack strings will be used to manage and monitor this fire and to provide
supplies to fire monitors and Wilderness Rangers.
The Trapper Creek Trail #168 and Glimpse Lake Trail #166 remain open to through travel at this time, but one or both trails may be subject to closure at any time for public safety depending upon expected fire behavior. Contact the Pinedale Ranger District at 307-367-4326 for the latest fire condition report if you plan to travel in this area or if you have any questions regarding the Trapper Fire.
Gravel Fire – Teton Wilderness
The newest fire is the Gravel Fire, located in the Teton Wilderness northwest of Gravel Peak. It is within the boundaries of the 1988 Huck Fire. Currently, this fire is limited to just a single tree and surrounding grasses. Fire and resource managers decided not to suppress the lightning caused fire, in order to meet management objectives by allowing natural processes to occur within wilderness.
Prater Fire
The ¼ acre Prater Fire is located on the top of Prater Mountain, approximately three miles southeast of Etna, Wyoming. This fire could burn itself out if existing weather conditions persist. While this fire is located high on Prater Mountain and is surrounded by sparse fuels, fire managers are still watching this fire closely should a change in weather conditions increase fire behavior.
Slide Fire-Gros Ventre Wilderness
The Slide Fire is another naturally occurring fire being allowed to play its natural role within the forest. It has grown to approximately ½ acre and is still creeping and smoldering. This fire is located approximately ½ mile south of Lower Slide Lake, within the Gros Ventre Wilderness. Given surrounding fuel conditions of this fire, a shift to hot, dry and windy weather could potentially lead to more active fire behavior.
Regional Wildfires
As of Sunday, August 14, there were no large wildfires burning in Wyoming, Utah or Colorado. Large fires are burning in the neighboring states of Montana and Idaho. Fire danger is high to extreme in Montana, Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Nevada.
The Pacific Northwest and Great Basin are expected to have warmer temperatures and low relative humidity with diminishing thunderstorm activity early in the week. Cooler temperatures and rain helped quiet large fires which threatened homes and businesses and closed portions of Interstate 90 west of Missoula in Montana on Saturday.
Related Links:
Teton Fires Jackson/BTNF interagency fire information website
Bridger-Teton National Forest
|
