News Release

Interagency Firefighters Respond to Lightning-Caused Fires

Date: July 19, 2018
Contact: Denise Germann, 307.739.3393

Western WY— Teton Interagency fire fighters have responded to two lightning-caused fires and numerous abandoned campfires in the past week.

Teton Interagency and Bureau of Land Management fire crews are responding to the Spring Creek Fire on the Bridger-Teton National Forest approximately 27 miles north of Kemmerer in the Spring Creek drainage.

Smoke was reported on Tuesday, July 17 and the fire is believed to be lightning caused. Engines from Big Piney and Pinedale Ranger Districts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Teton Interagency helicopter and firefighters, and Lincoln County resources initially responded to the fire.

The fire is approximately 2/10 of an acre burning in mixed conifer forest with a large accumulation of dead and down fuels. The management objective of the fire response is to suppress the fire, with firefighter and public safety as the priority.
 
Smoke may be visible in the Fontenelle and Labarge Creek drainage areas. There are no closures associated with the fire at this time, but the public is urged to use caution if recreating in the backcountry near the fire.

Teton Interagency firefighters responded to a fire in Grand Teton National Park this past weekend. Smoke was reported on Sunday, July 15 in the Buck Mountain area west of the Valley Trail and was believed to be a lightning hold-over fire from July 9. The fire is currently controlled and being patrolled.   

Several abandoned campfires on public lands have also been reported and responded to in the area. Campfires may be one of the best parts about camping on public lands in the area, but this experience comes with responsibility. Campfires should always be attended too.  When finished with a campfire, the fire needs to be completely extinguished and cold to the touch. Anyone planning to build a campfire should be aware of allowed locations and have the appropriate tools and water to extinguish a fire. For more information about building, maintaining and extinguishing a campfire on public lands visit the Teton Interagency Fire website and use the Prevention/Education link at tetonfires.com.

Fire danger for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest National Elk Refuge, and remaining portions of the Teton Interagency Dispatch area is currently moderate. The potential for fire activity has increased due to summer curing of vegetation combined with warmer, drier conditions. Fires can start from most accidental causes. Unattended campfires and brush fires have potential to escape, especially on windy days in dry, open areas.

Visit the Teton Interagency Fire web site at tetonfires.com to learn more about fire safety and what fire regulations may be in place. To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.