Fontenelle Fire - July 15, 2012
by Fontenelle Fire management team
July 15, 2012
Fontenelle Fact Sheet for Sunday, July 15, 2012, at 9:00 a.m.
Status: The Fontenelle Fire began on June 24, 2012 and is burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, BLM High Desert District, and state and private lands approximately 18 miles west of Big Piney, Wyoming. The fire is creeping in heavy, dead timber with occasional areas of grass and sage in the lower elevations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire Statistics: 64,083 acres burned or 100 square miles | 87% contained | 202 personnel on scene
Recent Events: Spilde's Western Wyoming Type III incident management team has assumed command of the incident.
Significant rain fall was observed in the fire area on Saturday, July 14; however, the fire management team cautions that it was not enough to put out the fire and containment efforts will continue.
The Fontenelle Fire had variable fire severity within the fire's perimeter, resulting in a mosaic pattern. While some areas saw extreme fire behavior that consumed all available vegetation, other portions were burned less severely or not at all. Smoke will continue to be visible in the coming months as the fire creeps through unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter. Firefighters will monitor the fire throughout the summer to ensure that the isolated, interior fire activity does not escape the existing perimeter.
Today’s Strategy: Rehabilitation work is nearly complete on many portions of the fire. Efforts will continue to focus on mopping-up hot spots near the fire line, felling hazard trees, and patrolling contained sections of fire line. Firefighters will pursue containment of the remaining portions of the western perimeter.
Forecast: Isolated showers and thunderstorms will pass through the area. The cooler weather will last through the weekend with temperatures increasing early next week.
Closure Update: The Fontenelle Fire area closure has been lifted in certain areas; the following roads and trails are now open:
• Middle Piney Road to the summer homes and Middle Piney Lake;
• The road north from Middle Piney to Bare Pass;
• South Piney Road to Snyder Basin and over Thompson Pass to LaBarge Creek;
• LaBarge Creek Road.
Note: Indian Creek-Coal Creek Road through Fish Creek from Middle Piney to South Piney at Snyder Basin remains CLOSED.
The public is urged to use caution when entering the fire area as there will be fire-related traffic and the possibility of limited vision due to smoke. Please see the attached closure order and map for complete details.
More Information:
Please visit
www.fs.usda.gov/btnf
www.inciweb.org
www.tetonfires.com
www.wildlandfires.info
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