Bear Cub fire grows to over six thousand acres
The Bear Cub fire in the Teton Wilderness has now grown to 6,141 acres. The Teton Interagency Fire Center has determined the fire was started by lightning Sunday, July 1 about 27 miles east of Moran, Wyoming.
The fire continued to move rapidly through dead and down timber with beetle killed trees. The 2011 Nowlin fire is located to the north and is providing a natural barrier on the north flank of the fire.
As a result of the fire, the Bridger Teton National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for the area around the fire. The closure includes the area south of Forest Service Trail 6051 and 6054 as well as the area east of Forest Service Trail 6047 and 6051s. The closed area extends to the Teton Wilderness boundary.
Firefighting crews are continuing to construct fire line and anchor the fire along the southwest and west to protect firefighters as they battle the southern perimeter. In addition to 56 personnel, an A type three helicopter is aiding in fire suppression.
The fire is located well within the Teton Wilderness boundary and has not threatened the highway or any structures.
Partial Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Bridger – Teton National Forest. Partial fire restrictions include:
• Lighting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, barbecue or grill is allowed only at designated recreation sites such as established campgrounds or picnic areas. Use of portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, or use of a fully enclosed sheepherder type stove with a spark arrester screen is permitted.
• Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, building (unless otherwise prohibited), developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials (i.e. parking lots, developed campsites, or locations surrounded by water).
• Operating a chainsaw is permitted only when equipped with a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester that is properly installed and in effective working order. Operators must also carry a fire extinguisher and a shovel.
• Discharge of fireworks and use of explosives requiring blasting caps are prohibited.
• Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame is only allowed in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter. A fire extinguisher must be at the location.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, and/or by imprisonment for more than six months.
The fire is visible from the Brooks Lake Lodge web cam.
