August 5, 2013 - Packer Creek Fire Update
401 acres, 20% contained
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
August 5, 2013
Firefighters worked to gain the upper hand during today’s firefighting efforts on the Packer Creek Fire, battling difficult terrain and hot, dry weather. The fire was last estimated at 401 acres and fire managers reported 20 percent containment of the fire today.
Ground crews will need to build two to three miles of fireline to help contain the fire which is burning in heavy timber, dead trees and downfall on a ridge between the north Beaver Creek and the Little Twin Creek drainages approximately 22 miles north of the Daniel Junction. Crews have successfully built about 1.5 miles of fireline. Firefighters are also laying down hose around the perimeter of the fire to douse the fire.
Crews from Wyoming, Utah and Idaho are being helped by firefighting aircraft dropping retardant and water on the fire. Four Type I, II and III helicopters are dropping water, and several heavy air tankers, including Maffs (Military Aircraft Firefighting System aircraft) and SEATS (Single Engine Air Tankers) are dropping retardant on the fire.
There were spot fires and torching in the trees during the hotter afternoon temperatures. Efforts continue to focus on full fire suppression, safety and protecting structures in the area. The Flying A ranch has been evacuated and structure protections are in place.
The public is asked to avoid using the Miner Creek Road in the area to allow firefighters to do their jobs safely. The Packer Miner Road (FS Roads #606, 607, 608 and 609) are closed at the forest boundary for public safety.
Firefighting resources from county, state and federal agencies are fighting the fire. Three Type I crews, three Type II crews, 11 firefighting engines and one bulldozer are assigned to the fire. There are 196 people working on the fire.
Incident commander Ron Steffens and Willie Watsabaugh (Incident Commander Type III Trainee), and other fire managers continue to focus their efforts on firefighter and public safety, protecting backcountry values and minimizing resource impacts.
The lightning-caused fire was discovered August 2. The fire is burning on the Pinedale Ranger District of the forest in the Packer Creek area. Agencies assisting with firefighting efforts include: the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the State of Wyoming and Sublette and Teton counties.
Visit www.inciweb.org and www.tetonfires.com for more information and related links.
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