Merna Butte Fire update for August 12, 2024
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
August 12, 2024
MERNA, WYOMING — Fire crews continue efforts to suppress the Merna Butte Fire on the Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and keep the fire from moving towards infrastructure against the Forest boundary. The fire was reported in the early morning hours of August 10, 2024, and is currently 153 acres in size, burning in heavy timber and dead and down fuels on Merna Butte. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
Bridger-Teton fire managers and personnel are working in close coordination with Wyoming State Forestry, Bureau of Land Management Wyoming High Desert District, Sublette County Unified Fire and Sublette County Sheriff’s Office. Resources assigned to the fire include a type 3 incident commander (IC), 3 helicopters, 4 engines, 4 hotshot crews, and 1 type 2 initial attack (IA). The fire is staffed by over 100 personnel.
Yesterday, crews worked to secure the eastern flank of the fire and protect values at risk. Fire managers are using natural fuel breaks to establish control lines and utilizing aviation support to put out hot spots and limit fire spread. Crews are also fighting the fire direct on the west line. The Forest Service uses all available strategies and tools to suppress wildfires, and public and firefighter safety are the top priorities for fire managers.
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has coordinated pre-evacuation notices and utilizes the "Ready, Set, Go" alert system. Everyone in a one-mile radius of Merna Butte is now in the "Set" stage for possible evacuation. Everyone in a five-mile radius of Merna Butte is under "Ready" and should be monitoring the situation for possible evacuations. Sublette County Sheriff’s Office and Sublette County Emergency Management will continue to update the public. The emergency alerts are available at https://www.sublettecountywy.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=5.
An emergency road closure is in effect. Roberts Road is closed, located off the Daniel-Merna Road (CR-23-112). Firefighters are using the Horse Creek Road (FS 10389), and everyone is asked to remain clear of the area.
For other news, events and information about the Bridger-Teton National Forest, call 307-739-5500, visit the Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf and follow the Bridger-Teton on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF.
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