The U.S. Forest Service has offered an update on what has been dubbed the “Bare Fire” in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. According to the Forest Service, the Wyoming Incident Management Team 3 is currently managing the fire, which was detected on Tuesday, Aug. 4. It is continuing to burn in heavy timber.
Fire Details
Preliminary investigations indicate that lightning caused the fire. After a Friday morning of mapping the flight, the fire acreage has been decreased to 443 acres in size. The acreage change reflects better mapping and improved visibility.
Approximately 168 different people have been assigned to work the incident, with additional resources continuing to arrive. Fire managers are implementing direct extinguishment and indirect confinement strategies on the Bare 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.
Yesterday, fire behavior remained active with torching and spotting. On the south side of the fire, crews continued direct extinguishment strategies by holding and building handline. On the north side of the fire, crews continued to strengthen, connect, and secure dozer and handline. Aerial resources continued to support ground operations from above with bucket and retardant drops. Similar work will continue today to reinforce control efforts, monitor for spotting, and continue to assess and adjust structure protection on private property.
Safety Measures
The release notes that Saturday’s weather is expected to remain hot, dry, and windy. Smoke will continue to linger across the area due to ongoing wildfires throughout the United States.
Both the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the BLM High Desert District have issued Bare Fire Area and Road Closure Orders to provide for public and firefighter safety. Both orders are available on the Bare Fire InciWeb page, under the “Closures” tab, located at the InciWeb website.
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has coordinated pre-evacuation notices, and it is utilizing the “Ready, Set, Go” alert system. High Lonesome Ranch is currently in the “Set” stage for possible evacuation. The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office and Sublette County Emergency Management will continue to provide updates.
Original reporting: Oil City News (Casper WY) — read the source article.
