Fire burns in Caribou-Targhee National Forest

A fire burning in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest has closed various roads.

The Caribou City Fire was discovered Friday about 10 miles southwest of Alpine and 36 miles northeast of Soda Springs.

As of Tuesday, the lightning-caused fire was burning 20 acres.

In a news release, fire officials said although heavy rain that fell Monday afternoon is making the fire smolder, forecasts indicate a drying trend over the next several days, which may cause it to flare up. In addition, the lightning accompanying those storms also started several spot fires in the region. Those were being investigated by firefighting teams Tuesday.

Crews are monitoring and managing the Caribou City Fire while letting it “play its natural role in the ecosystem, by clearing out dead vegetation, increasing plant diversity and encouraging aspen regeneration.”

Meanwhile, the following roads and trails have been closed for safety reasons:

Beginning at the junction of Road 087 and Road 165 head south on Road 165 to Caribou City.
Beginning at the junction of Road 165 and Road 058 follow Road 058 to the end of the road.
Beginning at the junction of Road 165 and Trail 452 follow Trail 452 to the end of the trail.

Violation of the closure order could result in a fine of $5,000.