Firefighters make progress on Salt Lick Fire
312 firefighters assigned to the 2,584 acres fire near Green River Lakes
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
July 14, 2007
(Pinedale) - Firefighters took advantage of decreased fire intensity to make progress fighting the Salt Lick Fire burning in a remote area of the Bridger-Teton National Forest north of Pinedale, Wyoming. “The rain has definitely put a damper on this fire for the time being. But its still early in the fire season and the rain hasn’t put the fire out. It will help with the suppression efforts, but its still possible for this fire to continue burning into the Bridger Wilderness over the next few weeks.” said Brad Washa, Operations Section Chief for the Type II Incident Management Team.
Approximately 312 firefighters and other personnel are working carefully to control the Salt Lick Fire. Four helicopters used to drop water on the fire and provide for crew movements and aerial fire monitoring are assisting them. As of 6:00 PM the fire had remained at 2,584 acres in size and was considered 19% contained.
Despite receiving periodic moisture, the Bridger-Teton National Forest remains in extreme fire danger. Lower than normal snow pack and precipitation has resulted in extremely dry conditions and vegetation with record breaking low fuel moistures. These pre-existing conditions mean that the area is primed for fire activity and residents are reminded that the fire season is far from over.
Fire restrictions are in place for the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Sublette County as well as many other areas throughout the state. Residents are encouraged to help with firefighting efforts by carefully observing the regulations and reporting any new smokes they see immediately.
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