Kinky Creek Fire update
For June 25, 2026
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
June 26, 2026
Firefighting efforts continue on the Kinky Creek Fire. The
lightning-caused fire is currently estimated at 770-acres in
size. Idaho Team 1, a type 3 incident management team, will
take command of the fire today (June 25) at 9:00 a.m.
The Kinky Creek Fire is located west of Darwin Ranch, near
upper Gros Ventre Falls in the Gros Ventre Wilderness on the
Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National
Forest. The fire is burning in heavy timber along a steep
slope and continued to exhibit active fire behavior,
including torching, spotting, and running, until about 10:30
p.m. yesterday, when a brief rain shower helped moderate
activity.
Fire managers are implementing direct extinguishment and
indirect confinement strategies on the Kinky Creek Fire. A
direct extinguishment strategy is when firefighters engage
the active flame front directly to stop fire spread. An
indirect confinement strategy is when firefighters work away
from the active flame front to steer or contain the fire.
Crews have established an anchor point at the heel of the
fire and are working to keep the fire west and north of the
Gros Ventre River. They are also going direct on the south
edge of the fire, working along the fire’s perimeter to
contain it. Additionally, fire personnel have set structure
protection measures around Darwin Ranch. Today, aerial
resources will continue working to limit fire spread and
support ground operations by attacking the fire from above,
particularly in areas too hazardous for firefighters to
safely access.
Firefighting resources assigned to the fire include three
type 1 helicopters, one type 2 helicopter, two type 3
helicopters, air attack, smokejumpers, two interagency
hotshot crews, a type 2 initial attack crew, fire engines,
and other support staff, with approximately 95 personnel
assigned to the fire.
The public is asked to avoid Kinky Creek Road; Kinky Creek
and Clear Creek trails; and Brewster, Lunch, and Chateau
lakes so fire crews can work safely and efficiently. A
forest closure order of the area is forthcoming.
Teton County Emergency Management has issued the following
advisory message: Darwin Ranch and nearby private lands are
in SET status due to the Kinky Creek Fire. Fire activity may
threaten the area if conditions change. Prepare for possible
evacuation (GO!) or shelter-in-place (STAY!) protective
actions. Review plans, gather essentials, and be prepared
for GO! or STAY! notifications.
Weather is predicted to be cooler over the next few days,
with higher relative humidity and partly cloudy conditions
along with a chance of precipitation.
Smoke may be visible in Teton, Sublette, and Fremont
counties. Please do not report. For the latest air quality
information, visit AirNow.gov.
The fire danger rating is currently "high" for the Teton
Interagency Dispatch area, which includes Bridger-Teton
National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the National
Elk Refuge.
Find the latest updates, maps, and more on the Spread Creek
Fire InciWeb page at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-
information/wybtf-kinky-creek-fire.
For other news, events and information, visit the Bridger-
Teton National Forest website and follow the Bridger-Teton
on Facebook and X @BridgerTetonNF.
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