Triple Peak Fire
Fire line map of the Triple Peak Fire in the Wyoming Range on the Big Piney Ranger District.
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Triple Peak Fire reaches 600 acres
Cause believed to be an escaped warming fire
October 3, 2005
Several fires started on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) over the weekend. The largest of the fires, the Triple Peak Fire on the Big Piney Ranger District, is located 24 miles west of Daniel, Wyoming, in the South Cottonwood Creek drainage on the south slopes of Lander and Triple Peaks.
The Triple Peak Fire was reported on Friday, September 30th, but resources were unable to locate the fire until Saturday, according to a BTNF news release. Helicopter crews arrived on the scene Saturday evening. At that time the fire was reported to be approximately ½ acre in size. Firefighters worked on the fire until 10:30 pm and had the fire 50% contained.
Around 11 PM, the fire made a significant run up the Lander Creek drainage and continued to burn actively throughout the night. Winds caused embers to blow over the ridge, igniting multiple spot fires on the north side of Lander and Triple Peaks. By Sunday afternoon, the fire was roughly 600 acres in size.
BTNF Fire Managers will use a confinement strategy to manage this fire, using natural barriers and predicted precipitation to help reduce the spread of fire. Rain fell on the fire Sunday evening, followed by snow overnight.
There are no closures in effect for the area, but visitors are asked to avoid hunting or camping in the immediate vicinity for safety reasons.
Helicopter crews are working the spot fires in an effort to keep them from growing. Crews on the fire include one helicopter, two fire engines and 20 firefighters.
The cause of the Triple Peak blaze is currently under investigation, but it is believed to be the result of a warming fire that was left burning or was improperly extinguished. Forest Service officials said individuals found guilty of starting a wildfire due to an unattended or improperly extinguished campfire can be held accountable for the suppression costs of the fire.
East Zone Fire Management Officer Paul Hutta said, "We can’t stress enough how important it is to build your fire in a safe location and make sure it’s cold when you leave."
In addition to the Triple Peak Fire, small fires were discovered in the Little Granite Creek drainage of the Jackson Ranger District, the Chair Fire on the Big Piney District, and the Moffat Junction Fire was discovered on the Greys District. All are under 1/10th of an acre in size and are either extinguished or expected to be out soon due to recent weather.
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