The Wyoming Incident Management Team 3 is currently managing the Bare Fire. The fire, which was detected on Tuesday, August 4th, is continuing to burn in heavy timber. Preliminary investigations indicate it was a lightning start.
After a morning mapping flight on Friday, August 7th, the fire acreage has been decreased to 443 acres in size. The acreage change now reflects better mapping and improved visibility. Approximately 168 personnel are assigned to the incident, with additional resources continuing to arrive.
Fire managers are implementing direct extinguishment and indirect confinement strategies on the Bare Fire. A direct extinguishment strategy is when firefighters engage the active flame front directly to stop fire spread. An indirect confinement strategy is when firefighters work away from the active flame front to steer or contain the fire.
Yesterday, fire behavior remained active with torching and spotting. On the south side of the fire, crews continued direct extinguishment strategies by holding and building handline. On the north side of the fire, crews continued to strengthen, connect, and secure dozer and handline. Aerial resources continued to support ground operations from above with bucket and retardant drops. Similar work will continue today to reinforce control efforts, monitor for spotting, and continue to assess and adjust structure protection on private property.
Today’s weather is expected to remain hot, dry, and windy. Smoke will continue to linger across the area due to ongoing wildfires throughout the western United States. For the latest air quality information, visit AirNow.gov.
Both the Bridger-Teton National Forest and the BLM High Desert District have issued Bare Fire Area and Road Closure Orders to provide for public and firefighter safety. Both orders are available on the Bare Fire InciWeb page under the “Closures” tab, located at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has coordinated pre-evacuation notices and utilizes the “Ready, Set, Go” alert system. High Lonesome Ranch is in the “Set” stage for possible evacuation. Sublette County Sheriff’s Office and Sublette County Emergency Management will continue to provide updates.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Teton Interagency Dispatch area, which includes the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge. See Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Forest Order #04-03-26-304 at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/
The fire danger rating remains “high” for the area, meaning wildfires can start easily and spread quickly.
Find the latest updates, maps and more on the Bear Fire InciWeb page at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
For other news, events and information, visit the Bridger-Teton National Forest website and follow the Bridger-Teton on Facebook and X @BridgerTetonNF.
