Two Western Wyoming Fires Burn Combined 8,500 Acres
Two fires burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest in western Wyoming have burned roughly 8,500 acres as of Tuesday morning, prompting evacuations for residents and campers in the area.
The Marten Fire is burning 13 miles west of Afton. First reported Sunday, it is estimated at 3,500 acres in size and is said by fire managers to have been human-caused.
The Roosevelt Fire, first reported Saturday afternoon, is burning in the Upper Hoback area south of Bondurant and 32 miles south of Jackson. It had grown to 5,000 acres as of Tuesday morning, and was caused by lightning.
Some 46 people are currently fighting the fire, including one crew, a light helicopter and four engines. There is still no containment on the blaze.
In connection with the Roosevelt Fire, the Sublette County Sheriff's Office on Monday issued evacuations for the Upper Hoback area, as well as the Rolling Thunder and Jim Bridger Estates. A pre-evacuation notice was issued for Hoback Ranches, meaning residents should be prepared to leave the area as quickly as possible should an evacuation become necessary.
The American Red Cross on Monday opened a shelter at the LDS Church in Pinedale. A Type II incident management team has been ordered to handle the Roosevelt Fire.
Campers near the Marten Fire were evacuated from that area Sunday evening, and roads in the area were closed. A Type III incident management team took over that fire on Tuesday. Some 51 personnel were working the blaze as of Tuesday morning, with fire behavior described as "extreme."
A Red Flag warning was in effect for the area of both fires on Tuesday, meaning weather conditions will be ideal for rapid fire growth. High winds and low relative humidities were expected Tuesday.
Three other fires were burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest as of Monday.
The Rimrock Fire was discovered Monday morning by a helicopter crew as they headed to the Martin Fire. The Rimrock Fire was estimated at half an acre in size and is located near Ramshorn Peak on the Big Piney Ranger District, burning in grass and dead or down timber. Firefighters are working to suppress the blaze; the cause is suspected to be an abandoned warming fire.
The Spider Fire is burning on the Pinedale Ranger District in the Bridger Wilderness. First reported Saturday, it was estimated at two acres in size. The fire is located near Bald Mountain Basin burning in a sparse patch of timber and grass.
The Lead Creek Fire was first reported Friday, four miles west of Sherman Guard Station on the Big Piney Ranger District. burning in grass, sage and some timber, the fire was estimated at one-fifth of an acre in size. The fire is currently controlled following suppression actions by firefighters.