Felling crew on the fire on 8/30/17 (COURTESY PHOTO / Bridger-Teton National Forest)

Kemmerer — Officials at the Bridger-Teton National Forest working on the Pole Creek Fire outside of Kemmerer remind everyone that the area around the fire is under a Closure Order. The purpose of this order is to provide protection to forest visitors and to allow the firefighters to do their work.

This closure involves the southern edge of the Bridger-Teton National Forest and runs along the eastern edge of Hams Fork Road up 3.5 miles to the intersection with Shingle Mill Creek Road. Hams Fork Road is just outside of the closure and remains open. Users are advised to stay alert for increased traffic due to firefighting operations. Other roads and trails that run into the closure area remain closed.

Fire damaged trees, fire related traffic, aviation activities, and the fire itself creates hazards in the area. Firefighters are trained to recognize and manage risks in the fire area. The presence of non fire persons in the closure area distracts firefighters from their work and may require them to enter a risky situation to assist violators.

The temporary order, currently valid until Sept. 15, 2017, makes it unlawful for anyone other than firefighters and Forest Service employees to be in the fire area or any roads or trails inside the closure area. Violations of the order are punishable by a fine of up to $10,000 and or imprisonment up to six months.

Hunters: Please be aware that portions of the following hunt areas in the southeast Kemmerer Ranger District fall within the Bridger-Teton National Forest area closure. For more information please visit https://wgfd.wyo.gov or call (307)875-3223.