Bridger-Teton Wildfire Update
Purdy, Battle Mountain, Horse Creek and Jim Creek fires continue to burn
August 29, 2006
Fires continue to burn on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Currently, three wildfires and two wildfire use fires are burning on the forest. The Bridger-Teton N.F. will be going into fire restrictions as of Thursday, August 31. Campfires in designated campgrounds only.
The Purdy Fire, at 22,200 acres with 16,000 acres on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and 6,200 acres on the Shoshone National Forest, is 21 miles west of Dubois, Wyoming. It is located west of Union Pass, approximately 15 miles northwest of Green River Lakes. The fire is 40% contained with an estimated containment date of September 9, 2006. There are 563 personnel assigned to the fire. A closure remains in affect on the Forest Road 600 on the Union Pass Road at the Spring Creek Park junction, approximately 4 miles from Mosquito Lake. The Union Pass Historical Site and Lake of the Woods are within the closure area. This fire threatens approximately 300 homes in forest subdivisions on the north side of Union Pass on the Shoshone National Forest.
The Battle Mountain Fire on the Pinedale Ranger District is 30-miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming and is burning approximately 3-miles from Green River
Lakes on the north side of forest road 680, Moose-Gypsum Road. The fire is currently 1,370 acres and is 50% contained. There are 167 personnel assigned to the fire. The Moose-Gypsum Road # 680 is closed for public safety. The fire is moving away from Red Cliff Bible Camp and the private residences. Forest visitors are reminded to use caution while in the Upper Green River area because of fire activity and heavy fire traffic. The Green River Lakes Campground, Trailhead, and dispersed camping areas could be closed at anytime depending on fire activity.
The Horse Creek Fire is 703-acres and is burning on the Jackson Ranger District, inside the Gros Ventre Wilderness. Limited access and steep terrain are considerations in containment efforts.
The Jim Creek Wildfire Use is 2,207 acres, and is burning on the Pinedale Ranger District about 24 miles north of Pinedale. This fire was ignited by lightning and is burning within the Bridger Wilderness one drainage north of New Fork Lakes. It is being allowed to burn for resource benefit. There are 12 fire personnel assigned to the fire. Monitors continue to track fire behavior and progression. The Jim Creek Road Forest Road # 710 is closed for public safety.
The Pilgrim Fire on Buffalo Ranger District in the Teton Wilderness, is 27 acres and was discovered on July 27. It is also being managed as a wildfire use burn. These fires are being managed by the Forest to benefit the natural resources and allow fire to play its vital role in the ecosystem.
For more information on these and other fires, go to www.inciweb.org.
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