The Bridger-Teton National Forest experienced multiple fire starts due to a lightning storm that passed over most of the Forest on Wednesday July 21. The largest, the Coal Fire, is currently 15 acres and is on the Kemmerer Ranger District. The fire is burning in heavy timber and is located approximately 16 miles northeast of the town of Cokeville off of the Hams Fork Road between the Smiths Fork and Sam’s Creek drainages.

Fire Management Officer Kirk Strom said that the fire is being suppressed and resources currently on the fire include three Forest Service engines, two Bureau of Land Management (BLM) engines, one Lincoln County engine, a seven person hand crew, and a Type 3 helicopter. Smoke may be visible from the town of Cokeville and Hwy 89. There are no road or trail closures associated with this fire at this time.

Three other fires have been discovered to date as a result of the storm. The Cow and Granite Falls fires on the Jackson Ranger District were both reported less than an acre in size and contained shortly after initial attack. Other smokes have been detected and resources are currently responding to locate those fires.

The fire danger rating for the Forest is “High” which means that Fires start easily and spread at a fast rate. All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. Fires spread rapidly and short-distance spotting is common. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes, or in concentrations of fine fuel.

For the complete article see the 07-29-2010 issue.

Click here to purchase an electronic version of the 07-29-2010 paper.