Fontenelle Fire flares up
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
August 7, 2012
BIG PINEY – The Bridger-Teton National Forest announced that a flare-up occurred Sunday afternoon on the Fontenelle Fire.
A two acre spot fire occurred in the northeast corner of the fire primarily on BLM and Sublette County lands. Hot windy conditions on Monday contributed to another spot fire in the same area that grew to approximately 130 acres.
Currently the fire is 64,215 acres. Fire activity has increased due to higher temperatures and drying out of fine fuels, grass and sage. Sparks from active fire can easily ignite these lighter fuels and spread rapidly. Short distance spotting is common.
Additional resources from Sublette County, BLM, and Teton Interagency Fire responded to assist suppression efforts. Crews are securing the line and mopping up.
Variable fire severity within the fire's perimeter resulted in a mosaic burn 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 be visible in the coming months as the fire creeps through unburned vegetation. The number of resources assigned to the incident will vary depending on fire activity and availability. Firefighters will continue to work the fire throughout the summer to ensure that the isolated, interior fire activity stays within the existing perimeter.
The Fontenelle Fire began on June 24, 2012 and is located approximately 18 miles west of Big Piney, Wyoming, mainly in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and BLM High Desert District with some state and private lands affected. The fire is being managed under a full suppression strategy under the command of a local Type IV Incident Management Team.
The fire danger for Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park is High. Fire restrictions are in effect and the public is responsible for knowing current rules and regulations for the area they visit. Information on fire restrictions is posted at www.tetonfires.com. For information on the Fontenelle Fire contact the Big Piney Ranger District at 307-276-3375 or visit http://www.inciweb.org.
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