Firefighters make progress despite red flag conditions
A red flag warning is posted for eastern Idaho and western Wyoming for strong, gusty winds and low relative humidity. Fire danger is still extreme throughout most of the region.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest reports the Cliff Creek fire near Bondurant, Wyoming is now 97 percent contained. It was last estimated at 32,162 acres. The fire started by lightning on July 17th. 132 firefighters are still assigned to the fire. They are repairing containment lines, monitoring hot spots, and picking up supplies and equipment that is no longer needed.
Some partial area, road, and trail closures are in effect.
The Eastern Idaho Interagency Fire Center is managing a number of lightning caused fires around the region. As of Tuesday morning:
The White Sands fire was estimated at 55 acres and was located 14 miles west of Ashton. The fire was controlled Monday and all firefighting resources were released
The Grace fire is located 5 miles north of Grace and was controlled at 203 acres Sunday. All firefighting resources have been released. The cause of the fire is under investigation. and all resources have been released.
The Big Elk Fire is located 10 miles north of Alpine, WY, and is estimated at 55 acres. Recent winds, dry conditions and very steep slopes have caused fire growth and brought fire downhill near the Elk Creek Trail (FS Trail 097). Crews are working on reducing fuels and improving fire lines near the bottom of the slope in more favorable terrain. The public is asked to avoid the area to reduce congestion with firefighting activities.
There are a 10 person team, 3 engines and a helicopter fighting the fire.
The Lanes Creek Fire started June 30 by lightning and is located 9 air miles west of Freedom, Wyoming. The fire is being managed to meet multiple objectives, including allowing fire to play its natural role in the ecosystem by removing dense conifers and encouraging aspen regeneration.
A web camera allows fire personnel to monitor the fire constantly, while firefighters on the ground have completed pre-treatments to minimize the fire’s potential impact to state and private lands.
The fire has shown little activity since the last mapped perimeter of 128 acres. Limited resources are assigned to the fire; however, managers are prepared to increase the staffing if necessary.
An Emergency Closure Order is in effect, closing the Lau Creek Trail (FS Trail 020) from the Pine Bar Campground to the confluence of Brush Creek.
