More Details
Contrary to what you might have read elsewhere, we do not have 5 helicopters
and 4 engines here working our fires, and fortunately haven't ever had
that many even when the fires were burning really hot. Things have progressively
wound down since the early part of the week. Three of 4 fire fighting
crews have moved on to other fires, and currently the Pinedale Ranger District
has one 20-man crew in addition to their own personnel on local fires,
for a total of about 35 firefighters. Two engines and one helicopter support
the ground crews. Half Moon is being called 100% contained, and Triangle
is 75% contained. The District put 17 helicopter bucket drops on Triangle
fire hot spots yesterday. All trailheads into the Bridger Wilderness in
the Wind River Range are currently open, including the one at Elkhart Park.
The Long Lake and Glimpse Lake trails remain closed due to the Triangle
fire, which is burning in the wilderness area between Long Lake and Triangle
Lake.
The road to Half Moon Lake Resort is now open, and they are taking in
guests again. Firefighters are still using the road to do mop up on the
Half Moon fire, so the fire area is still restricted, and visitors should
be alert to fire fighting traffic on the narrow, windy road. The Half Moon
Lake boat dock is now open to the public, but the Forest Service campground
will remain closed. The Lovatt fire is declared out and the Boulder Canyon
trail is open again to the public. Sandy Beach is again open to the public
for daytime use, but the Picnic Area is closed since it is still being
used as fire camp. The Sweeny Creek area is open, as well as Little Half
Moon Lake. Green River Lakes is still getting a lot of pressure and use
from people who are coming here who have been bumped from other areas.
The campgrounds at Green River Lakes and New Fork Lakes are pretty much
full. The Fremont Lake campground and 2 boat docks are open.
As we write this update this morning, the temperature is currently around
60 degrees and warming up. Skies are overcast and winds are calm. "There's
a momentary lull. Here." said Barb Franklin, Information Officer for
the Pinedale Ranger District. Looks like it could even rain today...
Other Area Closures & Fire Information:
The closure area around the Blind Fire has been expanded to
include Little Greys Road starting at the intersection with Big Greys Road,
and Deadman Creek Road starting at its intersection with the Greys River
Road.
The Blind Trail fire was reported at 11,380 acres yesterday,
15% contained. This fire is located on the Bridger-Teton National
Forest southeast of Alpine, Wyoming in the Greys River drainage.
The Boulder fire is located on the Bridger-Teton National Forest
15 miles southeast of Jackson, Wyoming in the Gros Ventre Wilderness.
This fire was at 4,210 acres in size yesterday, 70% contained. Granite
Creek Hot Springs & campground open for public access. Firefighters
continue to patrol and do mop up on this fire.
The Fontenelle fire, located about 20 miles northeast of Kemmerer,
is 20,200 acres, 5% contained. This fire continues to move south and west.
One engine, 1 dozer, and 123 personnel are working this fire. A closure
remains in effect for that fire area.
A new fire being called the Dog fire, was discovered Thursday
afternoon approximately 6 miles west of Hoback Junction, west of the Snake
River Highway. Two helicopters and 6 smokejumpers responded for initial
attack. The smokejumper crew continues suppression efforts today.
The Teton Complex is the name for the combined Glade, Wilcox.
Moran, Enos & Hechtman fires burning in the Jackson area. Highway 89/191
is open to public access through the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial
Parkway and the South Gate to Yellowstone National Park. The Teton Wilderness
area remains closed due to the Enos fire. Flagg Ranch Resort, Grassy Lake
Road, Lizard Creek Campground, and all trailheads in the vicinity remain
closed.
Visitors: Please check in with the Pinedale Ranger District before
heading into the back country to get the latest updates on conditions,
closures & restrictions. Currently fire danger remains EXTREMELY HIGH
and there is a ban on all open fires on the entire Bridger-Teton National  Forest.
NO campfires are allowed at any time. (Bring warm clothing to layer and
a below freezing rated sleeping bag. Night-time temperatures are dipping
below freezing.) Campstoves using liquid fuel only are allowed.
For more fire information, please check the www.tetonfires.com
web site (now the same as www.bridgertetonnationalforest.com), which is
updated daily with fire information for the Bridger-Teton National Forest,
Grand Teton National Park, & Yellowstone National Park. This site also
has links to the Targhee and Shoshone National Forests for their fire information,
as well as many links to other useful information pertaining to the fires.
The forest-wide ban on all open fires remains
in effect.
FIRE DANGER REMAINS EXTREMELY HIGH
No Open Fires!
For more fire information go to:
www.tetonfires.com
Earlier fire updates:
Thursday,
August 24, 2000
Monday,
August 21, 2000
Sunday,
August 20, 2000
Saturday,
August 19, 2000
Friday,
August 18, 2000
Thursday,
August 17, 2000
Wednesday,
August 16, 2000
Tuesday,
August 15, 2000
Monday,
August 14, 2000
Sunday,
August 13, 2000
Saturday,
August 12, 2000
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