A helicopter positioning for a drop on the Pole Creek Fire on Wednesday, August 30. (COURTESY PHOTO / Bridger-Teton National Forest)

Date of Detection: August 4, 2017                                                                     

Current Size: 3114                                                    

Location: 25-miles northwest of Kemmerer, WY                  

Cause: Human Caused

Containment: 55%

Resources on Fire: There are currently 137 personnel on this incident, including the following resources:

Crews: 3

Type 2 Helicopters (Medium): 1

Type 3 Helicopters (Light): 1

Engines:6

The cooler temperatures kept fire activity to a minimum yesterday. This allowed firefighters to work closer to the difficult terrain of the southeast fire perimeter. Crews continued to clear access roads of fire debris on the northern side of the fire while assessing the fire perimeter. Predicted higher temperatures and lower humidity through the weekend may increase fire activity. Incident managers continue adjusting resources to match the current fire conditions.

Today, firefighters will continue to assess and mitigate potential fire spread. Crews will patrol completed line on the south side of the fire. Firefighters will remove hazard trees on affected forest roads to provide greater access to active areas of the fire and improve safety. Firefighter safety remains the top priority while minimizing impacts to private property, grazing, timber, and important habitat. The Type 3 Incident Management Team will also respond to any new fires in the area.

With the Labor Day weekend there will be increased recreation traffic in the area around the fire. Forest visitors are reminded to remain alert to both firefighters and engines working in the area. The Bridger-Teton National Forest reminds users to attend their campfires at all times and put them out cold. Grasses and other vegetation are critically dry in Lincoln County and much of southwestern Wyoming. Extreme caution is urged when starting and putting out a campfire on public or private lands.

There is a Forest Area, Road and Trail Closure in place for the Pole Creek Fire. This closure is for public and firefighter safety. Those spending time near the fire area are advised to stay alert to changing conditions. To see the current Closure Area and Map go to the Bridger-Teton National Forest Website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf or www.inciweb.gov        

Hunters are advised that portions of bear, antelope, deer, elk, and moose 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.