Rain helps quell Big Fire in Wyoming Range
Expected to be controlled by Sunday
August 17, 2005
Forest Service fire managers expect to have the Big Fire declared controlled by the weekend, according to the Big Piney Ranger District. The Big Fire was started by lightning on Friday, August 12th and is burning in the northern Wyoming Range west of Daniel. It grew from 30 acres to approximately 50-60 acres as of Wednesday, August 17.
The fire was already about 60% controlled by Tuesday and afternoon rains helped to keep the fire down. The fire was expected to be 100% contained by Wednesday afternoon.
There currently are four crews on the Big Fire. A Hot Shot crew and three Type II crews, plus two helicopters on the blaze. Two of the crews are expected to be released today, and another one tomorrow. Crews are being flown into the fire each day due to its remote location. The fire is being flown each day to evaluate status.
Presently, there are no large fires burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) or in southern Idaho or Utah. There are many large fires burning in northern Idaho and in western Montana, which may account for our hazy skies, depending on the wind direction.
Fire danger is currently rated as Moderate on the BTNF and no fire restrictions are in effect.
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