◆ Community response positive. Locals welcomed firefighters.

SVI Media/B-T Nat. Forest

Firefighters under Wyoming Type 3 Team 2 have been successful in limiting the footprint of the Shale Creek Fire ahead of forecast monsoon rainfall. A Bridger-Teton National Forest Type 4 team assumed command on Wednesday, July 28.

The fire has been burning at the head of the Shale Creek drainage since Friday, July 16. This fire has been suppressed due to local conditions and the national situation. In its current perimeter, it will still benefit game and grazing habitat.

Most remaining crews will be released on Tuesday, July 27. They are expected to be reassigned nationwide to areas with critical fire needs. Starting on Wednesday, July 28, a wildland fire module from Bridger-Teton National Forest and a helitack crew will be on the fire.

Community response has been overwhelmingly positive during the last week and a half. Locals welcomed firefighters with free lemonade and iced tea and donations of bottled water.

“Despite working in conditions with very high fire danger, the coordinated efforts of firefighters and this incident management team were able to keep spread to a minimum,” said Kemmerer District Ranger Adriene Holcomb, “Both firefighters and the Kemmerer Ranger District appreciate the outpouring of community support during this fire.”

Even with precipitation forecast through the rest of the week, the fire season is not over. The Bridger-Teton National Forest is still under Stage 1 fire restrictions. The fire closure order will remain in effect as firefighters continue to assess and suppress activity inside the fire perimeter and rehab areas affected by firefighting efforts.