(Fremont County, WY) – The U.S. Forest Service-Bridger-Teton National Forest has shared that the Pack Trail Fire saw “greatly moderated fire behavior” during suppression activity today, September 30.
“As winds diminished numerous air resources were deployed and the forward progression of the fire was largely halted SE of Lava Mountain and along the Lava Mountain Burn Scar of 2016,” the update shared on the U.S. Forest Service-Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page late Monday night informs.
Total aircraft services on scene included: 4 SEATS, 2 Fire Boss water scoopers, 2 heavy helicopters, and 2 mediums, and a dedicated airborne air controller (Air Attack) has also been assigned.
“The fire did crest the ridge but held its position up slope,” the update continues. “Resources from the Fish Creek Fire had been immediately redeployed to the east and throughout last night additional resources arrived. These were deployed along the US-26 corridor in structure protection groups.”
Firefighters scouted potential containment features “around lava Mountain, in the Trout Creek and Warm Springs drainages, and along the 645 road above Lava Creek.”
While earlier estimates put the fire acreage at 19,806, an infrared surveillance flight that took place this afternoon mapped the fire at 17,916 acres.
“Despite moderating fire behavior, the region remains very dry with a fire weather watch for tomorrow and a wind event forecasted for Wednesday,” the update concludes. “Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fire or possible ignition sources, stay out of posted closure areas, and avoid areas generally around the fire impacted zone.”