Experts assess Horsethief fire impact

Now that the Horsethief Canyon fire near Jackson is 94 percent contained, a new Burned Area Emergency Response team is gathering information to determine how to reduce post-fire impacts. The team presented its initial report Friday.

Bridger-Teton National Forest officials said they hope to avoid the increased risk of flooding, erosion, sedimentation and weed establishment. The BAER teams recommended actions or treatments to address any of those fire impacts. Their findings will be available to the public next week.

The team includes hydrologists, soil scientists, archeologists, biologists, recreation and weed specialists.

The human-caused fire started Sept. 8. Thirty-one firefighters are still assigned to 3,373-acre fire.Although the fire is exhibiting moderate activity in ground fuels, fire managers say it’s unlikely to make it’s way into trees.There are isolated pockets of unburned fuels within the fire perimeter, but would not have any affect on the size or containment of the fire if they were to ignite.