(Teton County, WY) – The wildfire reported yesterday, May 13, in the Spread Creek area of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, now known as the Spread Creek Fire, was caused by lightning, according to an update from the U.S. Forest Service-Bridger-Teton National Forest.
The acreage now sits at an estimated 300 acres, according to the release sent out Thursday morning, around 9 AM.
Teton Interagency Fire crews responded to the fire, which is specifically located near Sagebrush Flat in the Spread Creek Drainage, approximately 3 miles south of Highway 26/287, on the Blackrock Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
The update states that a type-3 fire organization was established, and that firefighting resources included a “type 3 helicopter, a wildland fire module, two type 3 fire engines, a 10-person module and additional resources to support suppression efforts,” along with “an air attack supervision plane, three interagency hotshot crews, two type 2 initial attack crews and additional wildland fire engines will arrive today.”
Approximately 150 personnel will be assigned to the fire.
“Despite a quick initial response, thunderstorms, strong winds, and dry conditions contributed to active fire behavior with torching and spotting yesterday afternoon and evening,” today’s release explains. “Some evening rain aided firefighting efforts by knocking down flames in the sage and grass. Firefighting resources took advantage of this and engaged the fire to establish an anchor point—a secure, strategic location firefighters use to initiate fireline construction.”
The update concludes by stating that crews will continue today to construct a fireline using ground and air resources to minimize fire spread.
The agency advised to “expect active fire behavior in the afternoon as temperatures rise and winds pick up,” and at this time, the public is still asked to avoid the Hatchet and Flagstaff roads and the fire area so crews can continue to work safely and efficiently.
For other news, events and information, visit the Bridger-Teton National Forest website and follow the Bridger-Teton on Facebook and X @BridgerTetonNF.