Pole Creek Fire update - Tuesday, August 29

Posted 8/29/17

The fire is 3,055 acres and 55% contained.

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Pole Creek Fire update - Tuesday, August 29

Posted

Pole Creek Fire burning on Monday, August 28. (COURTESY PHOTO / Bridger-Teton National Forest) 

Date of Detection: August 4, 2017                                                        

Current Size: 3055                                                       

Location: 25-miles northwest of Kemmerer, WY             

Cause: Human Caused

Containment: 55%

Resources on Fire: There are currently 165 personnel on this incident, including the following resources:

  • Crews:4
  • Type 1 Helicopters (Heavy): 1
  • Type 2 Helicopters (Medium): 2
  • Type 3 Helicopters (Light): 1
  • Engines:6

The winds yesterday were lower than expected allowing firefighters to make good progress in addressing hot spots within and along the fire perimeter. Visible smoke columns were primarily from stands of timber inside the fire perimeter. Slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity are predicted for today. Firefighters will continue to minimize the fire’s spread and secure line on the south side of the fire.

Infrared images show that hard work on the south side of the fire is paying off with less heat showing each day. Intense heat does still show in pockets of heavy fuel on the north and northeast sides of the fire. 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.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest allows wood and/or charcoal campfires in backcountry locations in established fire rings only. Forest users are required to attend their campfires at all times. In Lincoln County and much of southwestern Wyoming grasses and other vegetation are critically dry. 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 archery bear and antelope hunt areas in the southeast Kemmerer Ranger District are effected by the Bridger-Teton National Forest area closure. For more information please visit https://wgfd.wyo.gov or call (307) 875-3223.