Wyoming Incident Management Team 3, which took command of the fire on Thursday, reached the end of their two-week rotation after having been reassigned from a previous incident. They transitioned with Wyoming Team 5 on Saturday, and the incoming team took full command of the Bare Fire at 6:00 a.m. Sunday, August 9. When incident management teams transition, they spend a day in meetings and in the field to share pertinent information and answer questions to ensure a smooth transfer of command.
The fire is currently 443 acres in size. Approximately 202 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 was moderated due to partial cloud cover over the area. Crews continued directly engaging the fire by performing firing operations on the northwest side to strengthen control measures along hand and dozer line. On the south side, crews continued to strengthen and secure handline with support from aircraft. Today, crews will continue to reinforce control efforts, hold line, monitor for spotting, and assess and adjust structure protection on private property.
Hot, dry and windy conditions will continue through the beginning of the week. There is a low chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms that could produce gusty outflow winds. 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 here.
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 here for more information.
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 here.
For other news, events and information, visit the Bridger-Teton National Forest website and follow the Bridger-Teton on Facebook and X @BridgerTetonNF.