Witnesses: Fire near Jackson began in backyard

Witnesses say a wildfire threatening part of Jackson appears to have started in the backyard of a home south of town, but officials cannot confirm that.

The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports the ground was charred up to the door of the home that records show belongs to James Anderson III. The home was undamaged.

A statement released Tuesday by Jay and Jason Anderson says their father, 76-year-old James Anderson “remains extremely distraught” about the ignition of the fire and is working with investigators.

Investigators say the fire was “human-caused” and won’t release more information until they complete their investigation. Jackson Fire Marshal Kathy Clay said she was working on report on the cause of the fire Wednesday, but could not release any infomation because of the legal process. The case involves her office and federal investigators with the Forest Service. Clay said she’s working to get confirmed factual information for media as soon as possible.

The Little Horsethief Fire has burned more than 4 square miles of forest since starting Saturday. About 1,000 Jackson residents are told to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

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Information from: Jackson Hole (Wyo.) News And Guide, http://www.jhnewsandguide.com