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The new Irish Fire is located about 3 miles northwest of Big Sandy in the Wind River Mountains.
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Irish Fire starts near Big Sandy (posted 9/22/18)
Evacuations for Big Sandy Lodge, Opening, trailhead, and Temple Peak Summer Homes
Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 22, 2018 – A new fire—the Irish Fire—was located on the Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest at approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 22. It is in remote, rugged terrain approximately 30 miles southeast of Pinedale, a half mile southwest of the Bridger Wilderness boundary, and 3 miles northwest of Big Sandy.
A helicopter was dispatched and reported smoke but no visible flames and estimated the fire to be approximately 5 acres. The helicopter was diverted to assist with evacuations. When air attack flew over the fire around 3:30 p.m., it was estimated to be 30 acres. The pilot reported very active fire behavior: torching, spotting, and spreading quickly in a generally easterly direction.
Forest Service engines poised for initial attack responded with a full-suppression strategy and a priority of protecting the public from the outset. Numerous hunting camps and individuals are in front of the fire, so the Forest’s immediate response included contacting Sublette County, which then used Reverse 911 to evacuate the Big Sandy area. Firefighters’ priority is public safety and getting people out of the way of this rapidly advancing fire. They are getting assistance from aerial resources to locate, notify, and evacuate people in front of the fire. Interagency resources being used in the initial attack of this fire—some of which were diverted from the nearby Roosevelt Fire—include air tankers, helicopters, engines, and numerous firefighters.
Monitor the Forest’s Facebook page (facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF) or contact the Pinedale Ranger District at 307-367-5700 for more information.
Pinedale Half Marathon Sept. 22 (posted 9/21/18)
Each year Pinedale hosts the Pinedale Half Marathon, 10K and 1-Mile races which take runners and walkers of all ages from the center of downtown to the banks of beautiful Fremont Lake. This year’s event will be on Saturday, September 22, 2018.
Pinedale is located in western Wyoming approximately 70 miles south of Jackson Hole, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. We are located at the base of the Wind River and Wyoming Mountain Ranges, at the headwaters of the Green River and on the west side of the Continental Divide in the Rocky Mountains.
Race Starts
Race Weekend
Race Start Times
Half Marathon Start: 8:30 AM at Rendezvous Pointe
10k Start: 9:30 AM (Buses will leave Rendezvous Pointe to transport all participants to the starting line (Fremont Lake Overlook) at 8:30AM)
Sorry, No bikes, strollers, or dogs on the
Half Marathon & 10k race courses.
1 Mile Start: 11 AM (registration available on-site) at Rendezvous Pointe
Bikes and Strollers are allowed in the 1 Mile fun run
All racers meet at Rendezvous Pointe, 425 E Magnolia St. in Pinedale (Building directly behind Ridley's Family Markets)
1/2 marathon runners & walkers will start in town and head towards Fremont Lake in an out-and-back race. 10k racers will start near Fremont Lake and run or walk into town. 10k racers will board buses at Rendezvous Pointe and will be taken up to the starting line to begin the race. The 1 mile fun run/walk will take place in town starting at Rendezvous Pointe.
Race Information
Pre-Race Wellness Fair & Race Bag Pick Up at Rendezvous Pointe:
Friday, September 21st: 4PM-7PM
1/2 Marathon Race Check In and Late Race Bag Pick Up:
Saturday, September 22th: 7AM
High Altitude Event
If you are from out of town & planning on participating, please be ready for a high-altitude event. This 1/2 Marathon starts at an elevation of 7,175 feet above sea level and overall gains about 300 feet throughout the course of this event.
BBQ & Beer
Every year, we conclude the day’s events with a FREE community barbecue. This BBQ is open to everyone including participants, family members, visitors, supporters and other community members. The Lion's Club works the grill, with local chef Sue Eversull by their side. Sue delights with her numerous salads and desserts. After race music is provided by Tim Ruland of the Pinedale Fine Arts Council (PFAC). Please Join us as we celebrate the morning's accomplishments!
Child Care
The Pinedale Aquatic Center will be offering child care during the races. The child care form is available to print on the www.pinedalehalfmarathon.com website. Please call (307)367-2832 for more details.
Visitor Information
Visitors are encouraged to go to the www.visitpinedale.org website for more information on what Pinedale and Sublette County has to offer.
Type 1 Incident Management Team ordered for Roosevelt Fire (posted 9/21/18)
Fire grows to over 31,000 acres, 3 structures lost, evacuation area expands
Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 21, 2018, 5:17PM – Bridger-Teton National Forest fire managers and Unit Administrators for Sublette County Unified Fire, Bureau of Land Management and Wyoming State Forestry Division have ordered a national Type 1 incident management team Friday, September 21, to manage the Roosevelt Fire. The incident’s complexity is increasing as structures have been damaged and evacuation orders are expanding. Fire managers also recognize the need for the additional planning and operations capacity that a Type 1 team can provide.
Members of Great Basin Team 2—led by Incident Commander Tony DeMasters—will receive a briefing at the Bondurant Fire Hall on Saturday, September 22. On Sunday, September 23 the team will "shadow" Great Basin Team 6, the team currently managing the fire. Transfer of command will take place Monday, September 23 at 6 AM.
The Roosevelt Fire was detected on Saturday, September 15. A local Type 3 incident management team managed the fire until Great Basin Team 6 took command of the fire on Wednesday, September 19.
Roosevelt Fire Information: 884-692-5341 or 884-692-5334 Call Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Email: 2018_WYBTF_rooseveltfire@firenet.gov
Related Links:
Roosevelt Fire on Inciweb
New Closure for Merna/North Beaver area September 21, 2018
Fire Restrictions implemented on Federal Lands September 21, 2018
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page
Sublette County Emergency Management Facebook page
Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page
www.tetonfires.com
Roosevelt Fire updates Pinedale Online!
Other resources (posted 9/21/18)
Other Resources:
Anyone who needs help with shelter, temporary lodging for livestock or pets, etc can contact the Red Cross for a list of resources and people offering to help. Call Trudy Fry, 307-231-6402.
Also, the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies will be holding a mobile pantry at the Sublette County Chamber of Commerce in Pinedale on Monday, Sept. 24 at 4:00PM. They will be sending additional pallets of drinks to be distributed to displaced families.
Fire Restrictions implemented on Federal Lands (posted 9/21/18)
Fire Restrictions implemented on Federal Lands
WESTERN WYOMING - The Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park and the High Desert District of the Bureau of Land Management, as well as Teton, Sublette and Lincoln Counties in Wyoming, are implementing fire restrictions. The restrictions do not apply to the Gros Ventre, Bridger and Teton Wilderness.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be implemented on federal public lands as of 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, September 22. These restrictions allow fires only in approved fire pits, rings or grills in developed areas, and smoking is restricted to certain locations.
Fire restrictions on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park include:
• Lighting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, barbecue or grill is allowed only at designated recreation sites such as established campgrounds or picnic areas. Use of portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, or use of a fully enclosed sheepherder type stove with a spark arrester screen is permitted.
• Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, building (unless otherwise prohibited), developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials (i.e. parking lots, developed campsites, or locations surrounded by water).
Many campgrounds on federal lands are closing for the season, or discontinuing visitor amenities such as water. On the Bridger-Teton National Forest, many campgrounds remain open but water may not be available due to cooler temperatures and potential for freezing pipes. Campers and hunters may need to transport their own water and must have sufficient water available to fully extinguish a campfire or warming fire.
The moisture content of various fuel types, current and expected weather conditions, and available fire-fighting resources, as well as the occurrence of human-caused fires are factors in the determination to implement fire restrictions on public lands.
Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. The fire danger for the area is very high, and all campfires and warming fires should always be attended to. When leaving a campfire or warming fire, please be sure the fire is "dead out" and cold to the touch.
The following restrictions exist year round on federal public lands:
• Operating a chainsaw is prohibited in national parks. Operating a chainsaw on national forest lands is permitted only when equipped with a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester that is properly installed and in effective working order. Operators must also carry a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
• Discharge of fireworks and use of explosives requiring blasting caps are prohibited.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, and/or by imprisonment for more than six months.
For specific information about designated recreation sites and locations where fires are allowed on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park, please visit www.TetonFires.com and click on restrictions.
The public is encouraged to report illegal campfires, as well as smoke reports, to Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch at 307-739-3630. For more information about fire restrictions, fire activity in the area, and fire prevention visit www.TetonFires.com.
BLM issues Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for Sublette, Lincoln Counties (posted 9/21/18)
Bureau of Land Management
ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING - Due to drying conditions and high fuel loading, the Bureau of Land Management High Desert District is implementing fire restrictions for all BLM-administered public lands within the boundaries of Sublette and Lincoln Counties, beginning midnight Sept. 21, 2018. The BLM urges visitors to these public lands to adhere to the restrictions, which aid firefighters and help prevent new fires.
Under fire restrictions the following acts are prohibited:
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, or within fully enclosed stoves with a ¼" spark arrester type screen, or within fully enclosed grills, or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas.
• Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
• Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Wyoming. These are:
• Discharge or use of any fireworks.
• Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
• Burn, ignite or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
• Operate any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).
The following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a permit or letter of authorization specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
For more information about BLM Wyoming fire restrictions, please visit https://www.blm.gov/wyoming-fire-restrictions.
Roosevelt Fire map, Friday, Sept. 21, 2018
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Roosevelt Fire Information – Sept. 21, 2018 (posted 9/21/18)
PINEDALE, WYOMING – SEPTEMBER 21, 2018, 12:42PM, SUBLETTE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE:
The Roosevelt fire, located near Bondurant, Wyoming began burning Saturday, September 15th 2018. As of this morning, September 21st, the fire has reportedly burned over 34,111 acres with 0% containment. The fire has claimed two primary residences and one secondary structure in the Hoback Ranches subdivision.
The fire has triggered evacuations for approximately 230 homes including the subdivisions of Upper Hoback, Thunder, Hoback Ranches and Jim Bridger Estates. The morning of September 20th, the Rim Ranches and the Rim Station area were placed into the "SET" stage. The "SET" stage means you may be asked to evacuate at a moment’s notice, to be packed and ready to evacuate. When evacuations actually start that is known as the "GO" stage. If the Rim Ranches and Rim Station area fall under the "GO" stage and evacuate, the number of homes in the evacuation will rise.
Forest fires are very dynamic and evolving situations. Therefore it remains unclear when residents of the evacuated areas will be allowed to return to their homes. Residents from the evacuated area will not be allowed to return to their homes for items or to check their homes until the evacuation has been lifted. Plans are in place to facilitate reentry when Incident Management deems it safe to return. Additionally, if Rim Ranches and the Rim Station area are placed into the "GO" stage US Highway 189/191 will be likely be closed to public traffic for safety. As of this morning Highway 191 remains open between Pinedale and Jackson.
We have been receiving many offers for additional supplies, housing, and assistance from the community and want to thank everyone who has graciously offered assistance. A shelter will be opened and available for those evacuated, if needed. It will be managed by the Red Cross (contact Trudy Fry, 307-231-6402).
Updates can be found on the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, the Sublette County Emergency Management Facebook page, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/, and www.wyoroad.info. A Fire information line has been created by the Type 2 Incident Management team in charge of the fire. The phone number for the Fire information line is 844-692-5341. In addition we will share any information we receive from the Incident Management team on the progression of the fire.
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Roosevelt Fire Update – 9/21/18
Roosevelt Fire Information media release, Friday, September 21, 2018, 9:41AM
Date of Detection: September 15, 2018
Current Size: 34,411 acres
Location: 32 miles south of Jackson, Wyoming
Cause: Unknown
Containment: 0%
Legal Description: Latitude: 43ᵒ 2’ 29" Longitude: 110ᵒ 35’ 13"
Structures Lost: 1
Injuries: 0
Resources on Fire:
There are currently 420 personnel on this incident
CREWS: 10
TYPE 1 HELICOPTERS (HEAVY): 3
TYPE 2 HELICOPTERS (MEDIUM): 1
TYPE 3 HELICOPTERS (LIGHT): 3
ENGINES: 11
DOZERS: 4
FIRE UPDATE: The Roosevelt fire continues to grow. Fire activity was at the head and flanks, primarily related to shifting winds causing torching and spotting in various directions. Fire growth pushed the fire towards South Beaver Creek and Strawberry Ridge. As a result, Jim Bridger Subdivision was evacuated. Those windy conditions in the late morning and afternoon prompted single tree, group torching and occasional crown runs. Overall, the fire exhibited advanced spread rates and flame lengths. Several air tankers, including VLAT’s (Very Large Air Tankers), will continue to fly and drop retardant ahead of the fire’s advancement.
Firefighter and public safety is the primary concern in the full-suppression mission to contain the fire. Direct-attack suppression tactics and structure protection in affected communities continue being utilized. Dozers are being used to plow containment lines. Resources continue to arrive to assist existing the fire personnel.
WEATHER: Light winds are expected Friday morning with mostly sunny skies and dry conditions throughout the day. Maximum temperatures are expected to be in the upper 50’s to mid-60’s area wide.
EVACUATIONS: The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Order for Upper Hoback, Rolling Thunder, Jim Bridger Estates and Hoback Ranches. Please contact the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Office at: 307-360-7737 or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SubletteSheriff/ for information regarding Evacuations associated with the Roosevelt Fire.
HUNTING SEASON: Big Game rifle and bow hunters displaced from the Roosevelt Fire should contact the Wyoming Game & Fish Department – Pinedale Regional Office for hunting updates at 307-367-4353 or on the web: http://www.wsfd.wyo.gov/hunting
FOR MORE INFORMATION: For additional fire information, please get the latest fire updates on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF/?ref=br_rs and at Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/
Low temperature reports for western Wyoming Sept. 21 (posted 9/21/18)
National Weather Service - Riverton
Some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far occurred this morning (Friday, September 21, 2018). The following are the coldest morning low temperatures across the area.
Location Temp Time/Date Elevation (ft.)
Sublette County
Bondurant, 14 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6650
21 W Big Piney, 16 F, 0609 AM, 09/21, 8200
2 NW Bondurant, 18 F, 0551 AM, 09/21, 6726
10 NNW Daniel, 18 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 7470
6 NW Cora, 19 F, 0532 AM, 09/21, 7462
7 NE Pinedale, 20 F, 0526 AM, 09/21, 8530
3 W Big Piney, 20 F, 0430 AM, 09/21, 6990
Big Piney Airport, 20 F, 0553 AM, 09/21, 6974
9 NW Marbleton, 21 F, 0450 AM, 09/21, 7176
8 SE Bondurant, 21 F, 0536 AM, 09/21, 7797
Pinedale Airport, 21 F, 0550 AM, 09/21, 7085
9 E Big Piney, 23 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6803
1 NE Pinedale, 25 F, 0553 AM, 09/21, 7382
New Fork Lake, 25 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 8340
14 N Farson, 26 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6780
10 E Big Sandy, 26 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 9080
Pinedale, 30 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 7310
Lincoln County
3 NW Etna, 17 F, 0607 AM, 09/21, 5692
4 W Kemmerer, 19 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6989
4 S Cokeville, 19 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6185
3 E Sage Junction, 23 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 6378
Kemmerer, 24 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6980
3 NW Etna, 24 F, 0530 AM, 09/21, 5676
Cokeville, 25 F, 0530 AM, 09/21, 6160
Etna, 25 F, 0613 AM, 09/21, 5823
5 SSE La Barge, 26 F, 0515 AM, 09/21, 6530
Thayne, 26 F, 0604 AM, 09/21, 5928
4 ESE Diamondville, 27 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6789
Afton Airport, 27 F, 0455 AM, 09/21, 6220
6 WNW Granger, 28 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6359
1 NW Afton, 29 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6211
Afton, 30 F, 0517 AM, 09/21, 6267
Kemmerer Airport, 30 F, 0535 AM, 09/21, 7285
15 E Cokeville, 31 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 7840
4 NE Thayne, 31 F, 0534 AM, 09/21, 6217
2 NW Alpine, 32 F, 0440 AM, 09/21, 5634
4 E Sage Junction, 32 F, 1041 PM, 09/20, 6387
1 S Bedford, 34 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6279
Sweetwater County
Farson, 24 F, 0535 AM, 09/21, 6594
12 W Green River, 26 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6130
8 E Rock Springs, 27 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 6339
5 SSE Point Of Rocks, 28 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6568
1 S Fontenelle Reservoir, 29 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6390
5 E Rock Springs, 30 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6369
4 NE Bitter Creek, 31 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6720
Mckinnon, 31 F, 0614 AM, 09/21, 7086
7 WNW Green River, 32 F, 0527 AM, 09/21, 6387
3 ENE Granger, 32 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6254
Green River, 33 F, 0515 AM, 09/21, 6060
6 WSW Rock Springs, 34 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6212
3 NW Rock Springs, 34 F, 0603 AM, 09/21, 6458
10 E Wamsutter, 34 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 7062
Green River, 35 F, 0603 AM, 09/21, 6091
Teton County
4 W South Entrance YNP, 20 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 7040
South Entrance YNP, 21 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6900
Jackson, 23 F, 0530 AM, 09/21, 6240
4 N Moose, 23 F, 0558 AM, 09/21, 6730
Jackson Hole Airport, 24 F, 0556 AM, 09/21, 6445
1 N Lake, 25 F, 0525 AM, 09/21, 7954
Hoback Junction, 25 F, 0614 AM, 09/21, 5928
Lake Yellowstone, 25 F, 0556 AM, 09/21, 7835
Old Faithful, 25 F, 0525 AM, 09/21, 7481
5 S Of South Entrance YNP, 26 F, 0430 AM, 09/21, 7020
Old Faithful, 26 F, 0515 AM, 09/21, 7320
Moose, 26 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 6466
2 S Grant Village, 27 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 7980
Snake River At Jackson Lake, 27 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6779
Kelly, 27 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6653
Lake Village, 28 F, 0530 AM, 09/21, 7875
Teton Saddle, 28 F, 0945 PM, 09/20, 11610
7 E Moran Jct, 28 F, 0552 AM, 09/21, 7251
2 NE Wilson, 29 F, 0522 AM, 09/21, 6184
Jackson, 29 F, 0525 AM, 09/21, 6247
8 NNE Moran Junction, 30 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 7030
Togwotee Pass, 31 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 9850
5 ESE Hoback Junction, 31 F, 0455 AM, 09/21, 5789
6 S Lewis Lake In YNP, 35 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 7850
Observations are collected from a variety of sources with varying equipment and exposures. We thank all volunteer weather observers for their dedication. Not all data listed are considered official. More weather info can be found at www.weather.gov/riverton
Sublette County Fire Chief Shad Cooper talks to members of the community at the Bondurant public meeting for the Roosevelt Fire. Facebook Live image.
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Roosevelt fire community meeting (posted 9/20/18)
Pinedale Online!
There was a community meeting held in Bondurant for the Roosevelt Fire on Thursday evening, Sept. 20th at the Bondurant elementary school. The Forest Service live streamed the meeting on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page for those who could not attend in person.
Presentations were given by the Bridger-Teton National Forest Deputy Forest Supervisor, the Roosevelt Fire Incident Commander, the Roosevelt Fire Operations Officer, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, the Wyoming State Forester, and Sublette County Fire Chief.
Highlights:
Fire restrictions go into effect at midnight tonight (Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018).
Officials are making every effort to get information out to the public as quickly as they can.
The weather, fuels, and topography are making firefighting very difficult.
The objective for the fire is full suppression.
There are 453 people working on the fire right now.
The #1 goal is to not get anyone killed.
This fire is competing for resources with 32 other large fires across the country.
They are identifying areas for point protection and defining action trigger points.
They believe some homes have been damaged, but the fire is too hot and unsafe to send anyone in to check right now to find out for sure.
There are 200 more firefighters coming tomorrow to help with Roosevelt Fire.
Winds today are sending fire towards Rolling Thunder and Jim Bridger Estates. They are concerned about it moving towards the Rim.
Officials ask the community to come together and help with the firefighting efforts.
Thank you to the over 100 volunteer firefighters in Sublette County who are helping.
The meeting lasted about one hour. The counter on the Facebook livestream showed a high of 552 people watching the meeting online.
Click on this link to see the recording of the meeting: Sept. 20, 2018 Roosevelt Fire public meeting in Bondurant at the elementary school.
Roosevelt Fire public information phone numbers, 7AM to 7PM:
844-692-5341
844-692-5334
Roosevelt Fire information on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SubletteSheriff/
Sublette County Emergency Management Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sublette-County-Emergency-Management-579372758805868/
Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF/
Interagency fire information: www.tetonfires.com
Pinedale Online Roosevelt Fire updates, photos and maps: Roosevelt Fire updates
Fire ban passed for Sublette County (posted 9/19/18)
Holly Dabb, Pinedale Roundup
Sublette County Commissioners called an emergency telephone meeting Thursday, Sept. 19, at 8 p.m. and passed a resolution banning all fires in Sublette County effective 12:01 a.m. Sept. 20 due to extreme fire dangers. Attendees were Commissioners Andy Nelson, Joel Bousman, David Burnett, Tom Noble, Mack Rawhouser, and Sublette County Clerk Mary Lankford.
The ban is a partial closure of all areas within the boundaries of Sublette County to the use of open fires and incendiary devices, for an indefinite period including:
• Discharge of fireworks and all outdoor fires are prohibited in unimproved areas, except as provided below:
1. Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., inside containers provided with spark arresters and located within a cleared area 10 feet in radius, are permitted.
2. Campfires contained within an established fire ring in cleared areas, 10 feet in radius, are permitted.
3. Charcoal fires within enclosed grills are permitted.
4. Use of acetylene cutting torches or electric arc welders in cleared areas, 10 feet in radius, are permitted. Operators must also carry a fire extinguisher and a shovel.
5. Propane or open fire branding activities in cleared areas, 10 feet in radius, are permitted. Operators must also carry a fire extinguisher and a shovel.
Wyoming law requires all emergency actions by a county commission be confirmed in a scheduled meeting, which has been set by phone for 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21.
Related Links:
www.pinedaleroundup.com
Roosevelt Fire map, Sept 19, 2018.
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Update on the Roosevelt fire near Bondurant (posted 9/19/18)
Public meeting in Bondurant Thursday, Sept. 20, 6:30PM at the school
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office
Wednesday, September 19, 2018, Noon: The Roosevelt fire, located near Bondurant has been burning since Saturday, September 15th 2018. As of this morning September 19th at 6 am the fire has reportedly burned over 25,000 acres with 0% containment. The fire triggered evacuations on Monday the 17th for subdivisions in the area including the Upper Hoback, Rolling Thunder, Jim Bridger Estates. At approximately 5pm Tuesday the 18th Hoback Ranches was also evacuated due to fire activity.
The number of affected homes that were evacuated as of today is estimated to be 230 homes. The Red Cross has set up shelter at the Pinedale LDS Church that has not been utilized as of yet. The Red Cross did assist five families to arrange other shelter locally last night. The fire is a dynamic situation, at this point it is unclear when residents of the affected areas will be allowed to return to their homes. Residents from the evacuated area will not be allowed to return to their homes for items or to check their homes until the evacuation has been lifted. We have been receiving many offers for additional supplies, housing, and assistance from the community and want to thank everyone who has graciously offered assistance. Many evacuated residents have found shelter with neighboring friends and family members. The Red Cross will be open at the LDS church in Pinedale and be able to provided needed services to evacuees.
Our office has received numerous questions from citizens about the status of Highway 189/191 and on the fire. US Highway 189/191 is currently open, for updates check the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, the Sublette County Emergency Management Facebook page, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/, and www.wyoroad.info.
A Fire information line has been created by the Type 2 Incident Management team in charge of the fire. The phone number for the Fire information line is 530-618-2844.
A public meeting is scheduled in Bondurant at the school tomorrow night (Thursday, Sept. 20) at 6:30pm (note time change).
In addition we will share any information we receive from the Incident Management team on the progression of the fire.
Related Links:
Roosevelt Fire Inciweb
Marten Creek Fire Inciweb
Roosevelt fire updates and photos Pinedale Online!
FEMA authorizes funds to help fight Roosevelt Fire in Sublette County, Wyoming (posted 9/19/18)
25,000+ acre fire threatens 250 homes, causes mandatory evacuation of 500 residents
Federal Emergency Management Agency
September 18, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Roosevelt Fire in Sublette County, south of Bondurant. FEMA Regional Administrator Lee K. dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the state’s request Tuesday evening.
At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 250 homes in Sublette County. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 500 residents. The fire is also threatening the Hoback Watershed which supports the local community. The fire started on September 15, 2018 and has burned in excess of 20,000 acres of private and federal land. The fire is zero-percent contained.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
For your reference, a fact sheet on the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program is attached.
If you have questions, please contact FEMA Region VIII’s Office of External Affairs at (303) 235-4908.
Roosevelt Fire on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/
Fire Danger Very High
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PLEASE be responsible with fire (posted 9/18/18)
Some fires on National Forest believed to be human-caused
Teton Interagency Fire media release
WESTERN WYOMING - Recent "Red Flag Warnings" in the area combined with extremely dry vegetation has created ideal conditions for wildland fire combustion, rapid fire spread and possible erratic fire behavior.
A "Red Flag Warning" is a fire forecast warning used by the National Weather Service to inform firefighting and land management agencies, and the public, that critical fire weather conditions exist. Weather conditions with this warning include low relative humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds.
Conditions on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and National Elk Refuge, as well as across Teton, Sublette and Lincoln Counties are dry, with little moisture received since late August. Since September 12, a "Red Flag Warning" has been issued daily for the Teton Interagency Dispatch area and this has been the driving force behind the large fire growth seen on the Roosevelt and Marten Fires recently.
During such conditions, the possibility of human-caused fires increases greatly. Although the nights are cold, fire danger is very high. Everyone, especially hunters, are reminded to be responsible with fire and have situational awareness regarding anything that may spark a fire.
Some key reminders and responsibilities include:
Make sure it is legal to have a campfire or warming fire,
Start and maintain a campfire or warming fire properly, and always have a shovel and water available,
Completely extinguish a campfire or warming fire when leaving the site,
Maintain vehicles and trailers properly so nothing is throwing a spark,
Do not drive through or park on dry grass or vegetation, and
Practice fire-safe target shooting.
In the past week, the Bridger-Teton National Forest has had approximately eight fire starts and some of them are believed to be human-caused, including the Marten Fire. Due to fire activity and for human safety, there are several area, road and trail closures on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Please visit Teton Interagency Fire website at tetonfires.com for more information.
To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
Thank you from Sublette County Sheriff’s Office (posted 9/18/18)
Tuesday, September 18, 2018: Sublette County Sheriff’s Office: "We wanted to take a second to thank the Sublette County Community as well as residents from Teton County who have graciously offered housing, supplies and other donations to those affected by the Roosevelt Fire. We received over 26 offers to our office in the last day. We have a running list of offers and donations for those who need them! We are also asking PLEASE do not donate cooked foods or perishables to responders as they cannot be accepted.
Click on this link for more fire updates and photos: Roosevelt Fire updates
Related Links:
Roosevelt Fire Inciweb, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/
Marten Creek Fire Inciweb, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6214/
Area Closure in effect in Wyoming Range (posted 9/18/18)
For Marten Creek Fire, estimated 5,700 acres
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued an emergency area closure for the Marten Creek Fire burning in the Marten Creek drainage off the Greys River Road.
The closure states, "The western boundary of the closure is approximately three miles west of the Greys River Road, beginning at the intersection of the McDougal Gap Road (10125) extending south to the beginning of the Spring Creek Road (10242). The Northern limit follows the McDougal Gap Road until it intersects the 10342A road at Foster Meadows. The 10342A and 10046 roads provide the eastern edge extending almost to the Middle Piney Summer Homes. The southern boundary of the closure begins approximately three miles west of the Greys river road and Spring Creek drainage and extends east following the 060 and 061 trails."
Red flag fire warnings, including high winds, aligned with the local topography have significantly increased fire behavior over the last two days. The fire is estimated to be approximately 5,700 acres.
The primary objective for the incident is public and firefighter safety. This evening, a type 2 incident management team will begin transitioning with the local type 3 team that is currently managing the fire in conjunction with the Greys River and Big Piney Ranger Districts. The Marten Creek Fire was human caused and is currently under investigation.
Fire danger on the Bridger Teton National Forest is very high. For additional fire information and maps visit www.tetonfires.com or https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6214/, or contact the Greys River Ranger District at (307)886-5300 or Big Piney Ranger District at (307) 276-5800.
Evacuation Order given for Hoback Ranches (posted 9/18/17)
Due to Roosevelt Fire
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office
Tuesday, Sept. 18, 5:04PM: The Roosevelt Fire is threatening the Hoback Ranches subdivision and is posing a life safety risk. The entire Hoback Ranches subdivision has been put into "GO!" stage. Law enforcement and firefighters are in the area to direct traffic and assist in the evacuation. Hoback Ranches residents must evacuate immediately. Follow directions of officials on scene. An emergency shelter will be available shortly at the LDS Church in Pinedale.
Wildfire update – Sept. 17, 2018 (posted 9/17/18)
Roosevelt Fire estimated to be 5,000 acres, Marten Fire at 3,500 acres
Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 17, 2018 – Especially dry conditions with recent warm temperatures and windy conditions have contributed to several fires burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Teton Interagency fire fighters and a variety of resources are responding to the fires. Some forest closures are being implemented for public safety and the Sublette County Sheriff's Office has issued evacuation notices for the Upper Hoback area.
The Marten Fire was discovered Sunday, September 16, on the Greys River Ranger District south of Corral Creek, 13 miles east of Afton, Wyoming. Initial aerial reconnaissance estimates the fire to be approximately 3,500 acres (note updated acreage). Fire personnel evacuated campers from the area Sunday evening. Western Wyoming's Type 3 Incident Management Team will take over management of the fire early Tuesday morning. The Greys River Road #10138 is currently closed from North Three Forks to the Cazier/Corral Guard Station.
The Roosevelt Fire, burning on the Big Piney Ranger District south of Bondurant, Wyoming, and is currently estimated to be 5,000 acres. The fire is burning in heavy timber and steep rugged terrain. It is located in the Upper Hoback River drainage. A Type 2 Incident Management Team will begin management of the fire early Tuesday morning.
The Sublette County Sheriff's Office is implementing evacuations for private property in the Upper Hoback area. For more information contact the sheriff's office at 307-367-4378 option 6, or visit Sublette County Sheriff"s Office and Sublette County Emergency Management respective Facebook pages. Sublette County is working with the American Red Cross for possible assistance.
The forest has implemented an emergency area and trail closure due to the Roosevelt Fire. The closure includes all National Forest System lands within the area described as follows,"The northern boundary of Highway 189/191 beginning at Lime Creek, southeast to The Rim, following the Forest Boundary west then south to Tripod Hill, then west along FS Road 10359 to FS Road 10143, then southwest along Trail 049 to Lookout Mountain, then northwest to Deadman Lookout, then north to the end of Little Greys Forest Road 10047, then along the Wyoming Range Trail 048, then north along the Jackson/Big Piney District boundary to Clause Peak and Ramshom Peak, and back to Lime Creek." This closure may be expanded as necessary.
The Rimrock Fire was discovered Monday morning by a Teton Interagency Helicopter while enroute to the Martin Fire and is estimated at a half acre in size. This fire is located near Ramshorn Peak on the Big Piney Ranger District burning in grass and dead and down fuel. Helitack firefighters are suppressing the fire. Cause of the fire is suspected to be an abandoned warming fire. There are no closures associated with this fire.
The Spider Fire is located on the Pinedale Ranger District in the Bridger Wilderness. It is approximately two acres and was reported on Saturday, September 15. It is located near Bald Mountain Basin burning in a sparse patch of timber and grass. Fire is smoldering and creeping. There are no closures associated with this fire.
The Lead Creek Fire was reported Friday, September 14, four miles west of Sherman Guard Station on the Big Piney Ranger District. The fire is burning in grass, sage and some timber. The fire is 2/10 of an acre. Fire fighters took suppression actions and the fire is currently controlled.
Fire danger for the Bridger-Teton National Forest is very high. For more information, visit www.TetonFires.com.
Fire Danger has been raised to Very High
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Fire Danger increases to Very High (posted 9/17/18)
Exceptionally dry conditions exist
Bridger-Teton National Forest
WESTERN WYOMING - The fire danger rating has been elevated to Very High for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, and remaining portions of the Teton Interagency Dispatch area.
The area has seen exceptionally dry conditions since the last appreciable rain in late August, and fuel conditions are at their driest of the season. In addition, several days of red flag warnings have elevated local fire conditions. A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service when relative humidity is expected to be at or below 15% and strong gusty winds are anticipated, and conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion and rapid spread. Red flag warnings have been issued for the Teton Interagency and surrounding areas each day since late last week. Under these conditions, local residents and visitors alike should practice heightened fire safety at all times.
When the fire danger is very high, fires can start easily from both human-caused and natural causes and, immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Small fires can quickly become large fires and be difficult to control. They often become longer-lasting fires, exhibiting extreme fire behavior and requiring more personnel and resources. When determining fire danger, fire managers use several indicators such as the moisture content of grasses, shrubs, and trees; projected weather conditions including temperatures and possible wind events; the ability of fire to spread after ignition; and availability of firefighting resources across the country.
Over the past several days, multiple fires have started on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park. The two largest fires are the Roosevelt Fire on the Big Piney District and the Marten Creek Fire on the Greys River District, both located on the national forest. Additional fires are burning in Grand Teton National Park and the Blackrock and Pinedale Districts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. For current information and media releases on any fires in the area, check the Teton Interagency Fire website at tetonfires.com.
At this time of the season, fire resources are stretched thin as employees finish their seasons and crews are released for the year. Many visitors and recreationists may drop their guard as nights get colder and fires season seems to wane. As hunting season picks up in the area, it is especially important to extinguish warming fires and campfires before leaving the area. Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving your site. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended. The fine for an abandoned campfire is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.
To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
Jackson hunting guide killed by grizzly bears (posted 9/17/18)
Mark Uptain of Martin Outfitters killed in bear attack, client injured
Pinedale Online!
The Wyoming Game & Fish Department reports that a hunting guide was killed and his client injured by two grizzly bears in an attack on Friday, September 14th in the Terrace Mountain area of the Teton Wilderness near Jackson, Wyoming. Martin Outfitting guide Mark Uptain and his client Corey Chubon were out bow hunting and killed the elk on Thursday, September 13th. They were unable to find the carcass and came back the next day to retrieve it. They were attacked by the two grizzly bears while field dressing the elk. Chubon was able to escape and go for help. He suffered leg, chest and arm injuries and was flown to a Jackson hospital. Emergency responders searched the scene of the attack on Saturday morning and found the body of 37-year old Mark Uptain with injuries consistent with a bear mauling. An investigation found a discharged can of bear spray with the safety off near the body. It was later determined that the sow (female bear) had been sprayed with bear spray.
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Wyoming Game and Fish Department finalizing investigation after hunting guide killed by grizzly bears
Wyoming Game & Fish media release
The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is working to finalize its investigation into a recent grizzly bear attack that killed a local hunting guide and injured his client. Yesterday, Game and Fish killed the two grizzly bears believed to be involved in the attack.
9/17/2018 9:27:21 AM
JACKSON - The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is working to finalize its investigation into a recent grizzly bear attack that killed a local hunting guide and injured his client. Yesterday, Game and Fish killed the two grizzly bears believed to be involved in the attack.
"This is a tragic situation. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families and friends," said Brad Hovinga, Jackson regional wildlife supervisor for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
On Friday evening, Sept. 14, Game and Fish personnel were notified by the Teton County Sheriff’s Office that a guide and his client were attacked by two bears while the men were field dressing an elk shot by the client the day before in the Terrace Mountain area.
The Game and Fish immediately responded to the area to provide assistance to the Teton County Sheriff’s Office in their search for the victims. The hunting client was flown to a local area hospital by helicopter where he received treatment for his injuries and the search began for the guide who was missing at the time of the initial response. Using information provided by the hunter, Game and Fish began to investigate the attack simultaneous to searching for the missing victim. This is standard operating procedure when wildlife attack humans.
The interagency search for the missing guide was suspended Friday evening and resumed early Saturday morning. The guide’s body was found that day, his fatal-injuries consistent with a bear attack.
An investigation found a discharged can of bear spray with the safety off near the body. It was later determined that the sow (female bear) had been sprayed with bear spray.
Later Saturday afternoon, foot snares were set at the site in an attempt to capture the offending bears. The use of foot snares allow Game and Fish personnel to live capture a bear in order to evaluate the individual bear and determine if the bear was involved in the attack prior to any management action.
On Sunday, a team of five Game and Fish personnel traveled to the site to check the foot snares. Upon reaching the site, it was determined a yearling grizzly bear was captured in the snare and an adult grizzly sow was in the vicinity. The sow charged the team in an aggressive manner and was shot by Game and Fish personnel. The yearling bear was chemically immobilized and determined to be involved in the attack of the victims. The yearling bear was then euthanized. All evidence collected leads Game and Fish investigators to believe these two bears were responsible for the fatal attack. Based on these findings, Game and Fish has discontinued all trapping operations in this area.
The bears have not been previously captured, relocated or handled by Game and Fish in either conflict mitigation or research efforts.
"The investigation revealed the two men approached the undisturbed elk carcass and there was no sign of bears in the immediate area of the carcass," said Hovinga. "It was after they started field dressing the elk that the attack happened."
"This type of bear behavior is not consistent with what we would normally see, especially from a family group. It is more typical for bears to behave in a defensive manner to protect a food source, cubs and their personal space in a surprise encounter," explained Hovinga.
Game and Fish wants to thank the Teton County Sheriff's Office and Teton County Search and Rescue for their professionalism during the response and coordination in this incident.
A complete and thorough investigation is still ongoing and will continue with a forensic analysis to provide additional scientific evidence.
Bears are a reality in Wyoming and anyone can encounter a bear. Game and Fish has an extensive online resource to help people learn how to safely hunt, fish and recreate in bear country. Learn more about being bear aware and reducing the risk of an encounter by visiting the Game and Fish website.
Related Links:
Wyoming Game and Fish Department finalizing investigation after hunting guide killed by grizzly bears Wyoming Game & Fish, September 17, 2018
Missing outfitter Mark Uptain found deceased Jackson Hole News & Guide September 15, 2018
Jackson Elk Hunting Guide And Client Attacked By Bears, Guide Found Deceased Buckrail.com, September 15, 2018
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