Teton Interagency Fire Update 10/3/10
by Teton Interagency Fire
October 4, 2010
Currently there are eight fires being managed by Teton Interagency Fire. Fire managers are working to ensure that both protection considerations and resource objectives are being met on all of these fires. The current fire danger is HIGH.
The Cliff Creek Fire on the Big Piney Ranger District in Hoback Canyon is currently 70 acres with several spots to the east of the Cliff Creek Road that are being worked on with buckets. The fire is currently staffed with two type 2 crews and one type 1 crew. There is a type 3 helicopter assigned to the fire and several engines as well. There are no closures in effect at this time though visitors are advised to stay out of the area until fire activity subsides.
The Bull Fire east of the Hoback Junction, is currently 4,750 acres and is burning in timber within the interior in the Little Granite Creek and Rough Hollow area of the Granite Creek perimeter. The fire is staffed with two Type 1 engines and Teton Interagency Fire personnel. Closure in effect.
The Gravel Fire, in the Teton Wilderness, has grown to 941 acres and is burning to the southeast into the 2,000 Enos Fire. No closures are expected at this time. Fire managers will continue to monitor fire spread.
The Crystal Creek Fire is located on the Jackson Ranger District within the Gros Ventre Wilderness and is 275 acres. The fire continues to back down the slope towards Crystal Creek. The trail remains open and no closures are expected at this time. The fire is being staffed by two Teton Interagency Fire personnel.
The Willow Draw Fire located within the Buffalo District up the old Colter Bay dump road is 12 acres. Fire behavior is smoldering and creeping with minimal growth. This fire is staffed with four Teton Interagency Fire personnel.
The Bunker Fire, in the Granite Creek Drainage on the Jackson Ranger District within the Gros Ventre Wilderness, is approximately 150 acres. Fire is most active along the east and west perimeter and along the ridgeline. The fire is currently staffed by two Teton Interagency Fire personnel. Closure in effect.
The Bobcat Fire in the Teton Wilderness is currently at 30 acres with no visible smokes observed from the air.
The Lower Gros Ventre Prescribed Burn has successfully treated 3,567 areas of the targeted 4,800 acres. Holding operations will continue during this warm spell with the aid of helicopter support, to keep the fire line in check and crews patrolling the perimeter. Some interior burning is continuing through the hot dry days will continue until the weather moderates. Although no closure is in effect, fire remains active in the Middle Fork of Ditch Creek and the public is advised to avoid the area until enough moisture arrives in the area and fire behavior subsides.
Objectives for the Managed Fires: Continue to provide for firefighter and public safety. Allow fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem as a process of ecological change and manage the fires in a cost effective manner. Continue to patrol the fires until fire activity picks up and then staff on the ground as needed.
Objectives for the Lower Gros Ventre: Improve bighorn sheep, deer and elk winter range habitat within the Lower Gros Ventre River area, reduce conifer encroachment in aspen stands and shrub/grasslands and increase availability of wildlife forage and improve diversity of vegetation.
Closures: The Bull Fire has a closure for the Rough Hollow Little Granite Creek area. The Highline trail and Little Granite road remains open. The Bunker Fire has a closure for the un-named drainage south of Bunker Creek, east of Pinnacle Peak and west of Granite Creek.
In addition to the Teton Interagency Fires, the Giraffe Creek Fire on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest is burning on the border of Idaho and Wyoming west of Star Valley. This fire was last reported at 1,300 acres and has been contributing to the smoke conditions in western Wyoming. For information on this fire and closures associated with it contact the Montpelier Ranger District at 208-847-3426.
The public is reminded to use caution when camping and hiking within the vicinity of the fires, stay aware of the weather conditions, the fires activities and other hazards such as snags, falling trees, open flames, smoke which may reduce visibility and possible short fire runs.
Fire Danger for the Park (Yellowstone and Grand Teton) and Bridger-Teton National Forest is HIGH, which means fires start easily and spread at a fast rate, so please make sure you extinguish all fires and use caution when parking or driving on dry grass!
For more information please call 307-413-6233 or visit www.tetonfires.com.
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