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Fish Creek Fire update – Sept. 19, 2024 (posted 9/19/2024)
25,052 acres, 79% contained
The Fish Creek Fire began from a lightning strike on Friday, August 16th, 2024. It is burning about seven miles southwest of Togwotee Pass, east of Jackson and north of Pinedale, Wyoming. As of Thursday, September 19th, it was reported to be 25,052 acres and 79% contained. There are 349 total personnel working the fire, including 9 hand crews, 3 fire engines, 13 pieces of heavy equipment, and 2 helicopters. It is burning on Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests.
KEY MESSAGES:
The fire continues to smolder in heavy timber, litter, dead and down timber, and younger mixed conifers, despite recent moisture and light snow. Minimal fire behavior is expected, but creeping, smoldering, and backing behavior of the fire will continue with an occasional single tree torching. Care with fire of any kind is still advised across the entire region.
Work will continue along the Highway 26/287 corridor. Firefighters and heavy equipment will be present. Please drive with caution, especially with wet or snowy conditions over the pass. Public and firefighter safety continues to be our highest priority on the Fish Creek Fire.
The Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests updated the Closure Order for the area of the fire on Sept. 17th, opening the areas north of US-26 that had been previously closed. The closures that remain provide for public and firefighters safety. Please respect the orders for roads, campgrounds, and trails that remain closed. Additional information regarding the current closure order can be found on the Forest websites. Numerous hazards will remain in those areas.
The main basecamp for firefighters has moved to Dubois and will be located at the Dubois Town Park. This will increase traffic in that area. Please be aware of the additional vehicles entering and departing the area.
A Type 3 Incident Management Team, Nevada Team 4, has arrived in Dubois. They in-briefed with outgoing Northern Rockies Team 2 last night, will shadow today, and will assume operational control of the incident at 0600 Friday, September 20th.
Further information feeds will be undertaken as necessary, dependent upon fire behavior or emerging conditions. For forest closure information please refer to the Bridger-Teton NF website, the Bridger-Teton NF Facebook page, and the Bridger-Teton NF feed on X (Twitter).
CURRENT STATUS:
Due to the recent inclement weather, which impacted roads in the fire area, firefighters remained disengaged on more remote parts of the fire for safety reasons and to minimize impact to roads. Hand crews, however, continued their work along Deception Road from Highway 26 to Brooks Lake Lodge campground. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire behavior in the area.
At the fuel mitigation project around Togwotee Lodge, the cutting phase is complete and now removal of vegetation debris will proceed as well as continued brush reduction. This action will improve defensible space for values at risk from future wildfires. Work has also resumed on the Flagstaff Road and large amounts of vegetation are being removed from this area.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
The area of the Fish Creek Fire has received a significant amount of moisture across the fire zone over the last week. Forecast is for scattered precipitation and low temperatures over the fire area.
AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:
Aside from continued smoldering and isolated torching, the fire footprint is putting up minimal smoke. For up-to-date air quality alerts, current and predicted smoke conditions and ways to mitigate poor air quality, check out the AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:
The joint Closure Order issued by both the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests for the fire area, remains in effect. Please do not enter the closure area or use any Forest Roads that are closed. For specific details regarding this closure, please reference the announcement on Inciweb for Sept 17th, 2024.
Under the jurisdiction of Fremont County, the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive have been reduced to Level 1 "Ready" Status (indicated by green blocks on the PIO Incident Map). A Level 1 "Ready" Status means residents should closely monitor information feeds regarding fire activity. See the Fremont County Fire Protection District Facebook page for current alerts.
The Teton County Division of Emergency Management utilizes a Ready, Set, Go system for evacuation messaging, visit their website for additional details at www.tetoncountywy.gov/1846/Ready-Set-GO. They advise all residents to be in a "Ready" status by preparing for evacuations and becoming fire adapted. All residents are encouraged to sign up for Teton County, Wyoming's free alert and warning service, Teton WY Alerts at: Teton_WY Alerts - Sign Up (everbridge.net).
US HWY 26/287 is open for free-flowing traffic. A 45-mph speed restriction remains in effect for the fire area. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert for fire personnel and fire vehicles and use caution when traveling through the area.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) continues to work closely with Fremont County Emergency Management, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and fire officials for the safety of motorists and firefighters.
Drivers are encouraged to visit https://www.wyoroad.info/ prior to traveling on US HWY 26/287 for road status and information, or download the Wyoming 511 app at https://www.wyoroad.info/511/WY511Mobile.html to monitor for any changes due to fire activity.
Forest Service reminder regarding E-Bikes (posted 9/19/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is reminding recreationists that e-bikes (electric bikes) are only permitted on forest trails where motorized vehicles are allowed. "We’ve had an increase in reports of e-bikes on non-motorized trails recently," said Mark Gocke, Public Affairs Specialist with the Bridger-Teton National Forest. "And with the fall hunting seasons getting into full swing, we typically see an influx of new forest users including some who may not be aware of local rules regarding e-bikes."
"The Bridger-Teton National Forest has a diversity of recreational experiences to offer," said Gocke. "E-bikes provide visitors yet another opportunity to share in the enjoyment of their public lands." Unmanaged motorized use causes concerns about trail proliferation, wildlife disturbance, soil erosion, damage to wet meadows, noxious weed spread, and conflict with those seeking quiet recreation.
Before you go, take time to review these tips to reduce risks and improve your experience.
Bring a map and know where you can ride; e-bikes are motorized vehicles and must follow the same regulations as other motorized vehicles.
Know your e-bike’s capabilities, including how far and long you can ride on one charge.
Share the trail: motorized vehicles yield to both horses and hikers; uphill traffic has the right-of-way.
Keep your speed in check, watch for others on corners or narrow trail sections.
Wear the appropriate safety gear and bring extra clothing for changes in the weather.
Carry a first aid kit and plenty of food and water.
Be sure to share your itinerary and where you will be going with someone reliable.
The Forest Service defines e-bikes, also referred to as an electric mountain bike (eMTB), as a type of motor vehicle with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of not more than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following three classes:
Class 1 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the e-bike and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
To read the Forest Service’s e-bike policy, visit this link:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/e-bikes
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are provided free at ranger district offices or from the Bridger-Teton National Forest website Bridger-Teton National Forest - Maps & Publications (usda.gov). A free app from Avenza allows users satellite access to the maps, so even in the backcountry, travelers know when they are on a legal route. Only designated routes, or those shown on the MVUM, are open for motorized uses, and some of those may only allow certain size vehicles or may be open for limited seasons, to prolong the life of the route itself, or to better protect wildlife habitat.
For other news, events and information you can call 307-739-5500 or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf or follow the Bridger-Teton National Forest on Facebook @BridgerTetonNF or on X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF.
Game and Fish encourages hunters to submit sage-grouse wings (posted 9/19/2024)
Wyoming Game & Fish
Sage-grouse hunters in Wyoming are encouraged to use wing barrels to help the Wyoming Game and Fish Department have a more complete picture of harvest within the state.
Game and Fish asks hunters to deposit one wing from each harvested sage-grouse in roadside collection barrels. Hunters should remove one wing at the elbow joint and deposit it in the nearest wing barrel. Handling the wing with care is important to ensure accurate data collection. Legally, the other fully-feathered wing must remain attached to the bird while in the field and during transport.
"The collection of sage-grouse wings provides crucial data for monitoring population health and making informed management decisions," said Nyssa Whitford, Game and Fish sage-grouse and sagebrush biologist. "Wildlife biologists gather data from wings that would otherwise be difficult to obtain and offer important information about reproductive success."
Last year hunters dropped just over 2,800 wings in collection barrels statewide. Barrels are found during hunting season at specific locations within the sagebrush steppe regions, primarily in central and southwest Wyoming. They are often located along primary exit roads near popular hunting areas and wildlife management areas, or in cooperation with local landowners and conservation organizations. Hunters also can drop-off wings and the respective harvest locations to a roadside hunter check station or a Game and Fish regional office if there isn't a convenient barrel.
"We appreciate hunters taking the time to deposit one wing from each harvested bird. It is important to us that wings get deposited and they are not removed from the barrels by the public," Whitford said.
After the hunting season, Game and Fish biologists analyze the wings to determine an estimate of reproductive success. Using length and wear of the primary feathers, each wing is aged as a chick, yearling or adult and sex is determined by the size or measurement of the wing.
"This data helps us determine the average number of chicks per hen that were produced for the year and used in conjunction with spring lek counts, and gives us insight into the overall health of sage-grouse populations and trends," Whitford said. "The trends we detect help to guide long-term conservation efforts and on-the-ground habitat improvement projects."
New this year for sage-grouse hunters
One major change for 2024 is that all licensed sage-grouse hunters — daily, annual, Pioneer and lifetime license holders — will be required to carry a free, annual sage-grouse hunting permit to help Game and Fish further expand efforts to survey sage-grouse hunters on their hunt experience. The permit is available at Game and Fish offices and online through the Game and Fish website.
Looking for a job? (posted 7/17/2024)
Check out the Pinedale Online Job Board
Pinedale Online!
Here is a list of current job openings in Sublette County posted on the Pinedale Online Job Board.
Job openings include cooks, cashiers, bartenders, RNs, CDL truck drivers, gas technicians, emergency room physicians, ranch hands, school teachers, custodians, motel night audits, pool lifeguards, veterinary technicians, delivery drivers, EMTs, sports coaches, equipment operators, mechanics, concrete specialists, carpenters, phlebotomists, medical technicians, law enforcement, dispatchers, and more. To get to the specific job descriptions and instructions on how to apply, go to the Pinedale Online Job Board.
All employers are looking for people who are reliable, honest, and willing to work. Many jobs require drug/alcohol screening and background checks.
For anyone who doesn’t already live here and is interested in applying for a job, be sure to get your housing secured before moving here, as housing is in short supply and can be expensive. Sometimes employers can help with housing arrangements. For more information about the Pinedale area, go to www.visitpinedale.org.
Full-time Maintenance Worker 1 Town of Pinedale, Pinedale, Wyoming
Gas Technician/Equipment Operator Pinedale Natural Gas, Pinedale, Wyoming
Part-Time Cook Rendezvous Pointe, Pinedale, Wyoming
Middle School Life Skills Paraprofessional Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Middle School Sped Paraprofessional Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
High School Girls Head Wrestling Coach Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Middle School Girls Wrestling Coaches (2) Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Class A CDL Driver Taylor Construction, Inc., Boulder, Wyoming
Yard Hand Pinedale Lumber, Pinedale, Wyoming
ER Physician Sublette County Hospital District, Pinedale, Wyoming
ER Advanced Practice Provider APP Sublette County Hospital District, Pinedale, Wyoming
Full-Time Laundry Attendant Hampton Inn & Suites, Pinedale, Wyoming
Full-time Planning & Zoning Administrator Town of Pinedale, Pinedale, Wyoming
Public Health RN Sublette County Public Health, Pinedale, Wyoming
Truck Drivers, Equipment Operators, and Laborers Teletractors, Inc., Pinedale, Wyoming
Class A CDL Truck Driver M and M Disposal, Pinedale, Wyoming
Concrete Craftsman Adams Concrete, Inc., Pinedale, Wyoming
Bartender Boulder Store & Bar, Boulder, Wyoming
Store Cashier Boulder Store, Boulder, Wyoming
Summer Ranch Help, Upper Green
Full-Time Cashier/Stocker/Side Duties Obo’s Market & Deli, Pinedale, Wyoming
Homemaker Rendezvous Pointe, Pinedale, Wyoming
Elementary School Part-Time Title I Math Teacher (Grant Funded) Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Custodian Pinedale Aquatic Center, Pinedale, Wyoming
Housekeeper High Country Suites, Pinedale, Wyoming
Night Audit High Country Suites, Pinedale, Wyoming
Mountain Camp Cook Bald Mountain Outfitters, Pinedale, Wyoming
Patrol Deputy, Detention Deputy, Communications Officer Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Sublette County, Wyoming
EMT, AEMT, EMT-I and Paramedic Sublette County EMS, Sublette County, Wyoming
CDL Truck Driver M and M Disposal, Pinedale, Wyoming
Receptionist/Call Center Sublette County Hospital District, Sublette County, Wyoming
Master Automotive Technician Performance Tech, Pinedale, Wyoming
High School Assistant Football Coach - 2 positions, Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
K-12 Special Education Counselor / Social Worker Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Full-Time Janitor Town of Pinedale, Pinedale, Wyoming
Middle School Boys Basketball Assisting Coach Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
2 Summer Groundskeepers Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Financial/Administrative Assistant Obo’s Market & Deli, Pinedale, Wyoming
Veterinary Assistant Pinedale Animal Hospital, Pinedale, Wyoming
Customer Service Representative Pinedale Animal Hospital, Pinedale, Wyoming
High School Special Education Paraprofessional Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Full-Time Bobtail Fuel Driver All American Fuels, Sublette County, Wyoming
Lifeguard Pinedale Aquatic Center, Pinedale, Wyoming
Seasonal Airport Operator Town of Pinedale, Pinedale, Wyoming
Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) Sublette Center, Pinedale, Wyoming
Evening Delivery Driver Old Stones Smokehouse and Country Pizza, Pinedale, Wyoming
Teaching Professional Children’s Discovery Center, Pinedale, Wyoming
Phlebotomist Sublette County Hospital District, Pinedale, Wyoming
Medical Technologist Sublette County Hospital District, Pinedale, Wyoming
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Fire Danger increased to High (posted 7/11/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to high for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge beginning Tuesday, July 9, 2024.
The forecast is for continued warmer and drier weather. Visitors should not be deceived by how green the landscape looks. Dead and down timber and fuels are carrying fire right now prompting fire managers to elevate the fire danger rating.
A high fire danger rating means fires can start easily and spread quickly. 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.
Public land users can help prevent wildfires by not having a fire at all and instead dressing for success with layers and warm clothes.
Fire managers advise recreationists to use caution if choosing to build and maintain a campfire. In areas where campfires are allowed, fires should never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished before leaving. Unattended or abandoned campfires and warming fires can quickly escalate into wildfires and recreationists can be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.
All campers and day users should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use if choosing to have a fire. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. It is extremely important that all campfires are "dead out" and cold to the touch before leaving.
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.
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