* The following is a news release from the Bridger-Teton National Forest
Moran, Wyo., July 21, 2019 – The two acre Box Creek Fire is located on the Bridger Teton National Forest- Blackrock Ranger District. This new lightning caused fire is burning within the Teton Wilderness, east of Gravel Ridge within the Box Creek drainage. The fire was showing minimal activity today upon aerial reconnaissance, and is in relatively dense timber with moderate ground fuels. Given fire conditions, location and the consideration of risk to firefighters, the fire is being allowed to play its natural role in the Teton Wilderness. The main objective is to keep fire from moving south, by employing a suppression strategy on the south end of the fire to protect values in the Buffalo River Valley, which are currently 2.5 miles or greater in distance away from the fire. This strategy will utilize tactics on the ground that provide balance between achieving desired Wilderness resource objectives and limiting exposure to firefighters.
Fire Managers are currently developing management actions points (MAP) that will guide the course of action and direct necessary suppression strategies to protect the public and potential values at risk. Wildland fires from 1988 to more recently within the Teton Wilderness, have provided a “catcher’s mitt” to limit fire progression in north and east directions. Buffalo Valley infrastructure and values currently 2.5 miles or greater in distance from the fire, has been determined to be the primary objective for a protection and suppression strategy as identified within the developing MAP.
A Type 4 Incident Commander and Type 3 light helicopter/Helitack Crew from Swan Valley Idaho has been assigned to Box Creek Fire, and will be working out of Blackrock Ranger District. The fire is not currently staffed on the ground, and is not showing any visual smoke at the time of this Press Release.
Information can be found through www.tetonfires.com. To report a fire or smoke call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307.739.3630.
