No injuries or structures lost to Swinging Bridge Fire south of Jackson
Residents cleared to return back to their homes
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 7, 2020
JACKSON, WYOMING September 7, 2020 - The Swinging Bridge fire on the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest started around 4:30pm on Sunday, September 6, 2020). Thanks to a quick response from Teton Interagency Fire personnel and Teton County Fire and EMS, the fire was held to 102 acres. This is an increase from previous reports due to more accurate mapping, not significant fire growth. The response included two engines from Teton Interagency Fire, ten engines and water tenders from Teton County Fire and EMS, along with two type 3 helicopters and multiple fixed wing air tankers.
Teton County Emergency Management and the Teton County Sheriff’s Department issued an evacuation notice for Henry’s road, Game Creek, Squaw Creek and Porcupine Subdivisions. Thank you to all the residents that complied with the order. With your assistance, fire personnel were able to focus their efforts and, as a result, there was no damage to any homes. As of the time of this release, all residents are cleared back into their homes. The only closure that remains is on Henry’s Road from Swinging Bridge to Porcupine Creek.
Resources remained on the fire overnight providing point protection for homes as well as power and communication infrastructure in the area. Today more resources will be arriving to assist the effort of securing the perimeter and reaching containment.
Favorable temperatures will be over the fire today, however firefighters will be watching closely as high winds are forecasted ahead of the precipitation that is predicted. Smoke will be visible in the area as pockets of unburned fuel within the perimeter clean themselves up. Please refrain from calling this activity into dispatch, resources are on scene and will be addressing any areas of concern.
This fire serves as a reminder to all that our vegetation is stressed and very receptive to fire. Even with cooler weather the next few days, fires can start easily and grow rapidly under the right conditions, which we saw yesterday under a red flag warning. Please be extra careful with anything that could possible ignite a fire. This includes tow chains, chainsaws, and vehicles parking on tall grass. Fire restrictions are still in effect across the Bridger-Teton National Forest and many surrounding counties.
For more information, visit www.TetonFires.com. To report a smoke or wildfire, please call Teton Interagency Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
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