Roosevelt blaze blamed on abandoned warming fire
Bridger Teton National Forest investigators have determined the Roosevelt fire was human caused.
The fire, which has now claimed over 50 homes and burned over 57,000 acres, started September 15 on a steep slope in the upper reaches of the Hoback River drainage.
Fire Investigation officers and agents with U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations have been working since the fire started to determine the cause of the fire. They have made progress in the investigation, interviewing numerous people that may have visited the area.
It started from an abandoned warming fire during a period of heavy recreational use on the operning of rifle deer season.
Investigators are asking anyone with information to contact the U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement at 208-557-5852 and leave a detailed message, including contact information.
In the meantime, the forest is asking people to adhere to all fire restrictions on public lands and use safe fire practices in those designated, developed recreations sites where campfires are allowed. Hot vehicle exhaust systems, camp stoves, shooting activities and smoking are all potential sources of fires often forgotten. Visitors are encouraged to pay extra attention when recreating outdoors.
The Roosevelt Fire was estimated at 57,696 acres Saturday night and was 40 percent contained. 1,160 firefighters are assigned. 55 homes have been destroyed and that number has not changed since Friday.
Power has been restored to the Kendall Valley/Upper Green area. Evacuation level has been reduced to “SET” level in Zones 1, 2, and 3. However, in Zone 8,the Jim Bridger Estates, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has re-emphasized a “GO” designation. No one should be within that evacuation zone because of current active fire behavior.
