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Reminder - Fire evacuations still in place (posted 9/25/18)
Sublette County Sheriff's Office
Tuesday, Sept. 25, 8:00AM: The Sublette County Sheriff's Office would like to remind the citizens affected by the Roosevelt fire that evacuation zones are still valid and the area is not safe to enter. The Fire continues to burn and we have operations underway today to confirm the status of homes in the area. Notification will be made when the Sheriff’s Office gets the information back from the field.
Colorado River Basin Drought Contingency Planning meeting in Pinedale Oct. 11 (posted 9/24/18)
Wyoming State Engineer's Office
The State Engineer’s Office will hold public meetings in western Wyoming in October on Drought Contingency Planning in the Colorado River Basin.
State Engineer Pat Tyrrell will be discussing drought contingency planning efforts in the Colorado River Basin at three upcoming public meetings. The Colorado River is now experiencing its 19th year of drought. Since 2013, officials in the seven Colorado River Basin states, the Department of Interior and the Republic of Mexico have been working on drought contingency plans. Plans in the Lower Basin states of Arizona, California and Nevada have been developed separately, but parallel to, plans developed in the Upper Basin states of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Plans in both basins are now nearing completion.
The State Engineer will discuss the need for these plans, describe the contemplated plans, and answer questions at the three public meetings listed below.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 – Baggs, Wyoming
Valley Community Center, 255 W. Osborne St., Baggs, WY
Conference Room
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Wednesday, October 10, 2018 – Rock Springs, Wyoming
Western Wyoming Community College, 2500 College Dr., Rock Springs, WY
Lecture Hall #1005
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Thursday, October 11 – Pinedale, Wyoming
Sublette County Library, 155 S. Tyler Ave., Pinedale, WY
Lovatt Room
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 PM
For additional information, please feel free to contact Steve Wolff at (307) 777-1942 or steve.wolff@wyo.gov.
Wolf News Roundup 9/22/2018 (posted 9/24/18)
Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
Wyoming Hunt
The hunting season for wolves in the trophy game area of northwestern Wyoming opened Sept. 1. According to the Wyoming Game & Fish Department, eight wolves have been harvested as of September 21. The agency set a total quota of 58 wolves in the state’s 14 hunt areas for wolves. There have also been 21 wolves killed in Wyoming’s predator zone so far in 2018.
Recovering wolves nationwide
The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a notice of intent to sue the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to force the agency to develop a nationwide comprehensive wolf recovery plan.
Texas
The El Paso Sierra Club is leading an effort to return Mexican wolves to the Texas landscape. The group recently collected more than 10,000 letters of support for bringing the predator back to West Texas.
Canada
A member of the Bow Valley wolf pack in Banff National Park approached campers in a developed campground, prompting public safety warnings by wildlife officials. The Bow Valley pack has a history of problem wolf behavior, with Canada wildlife officials killing two members of the pack in 2016 after the animals became aggressive towards humans.
Washington’s Old Profanity Peak pack
On September 16, a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife marksman shot and killed a juvenile member of a wolf pack currently occupying the Old Profanity Territory (OPT) that has repeatedly preyed on cattle on federal grazing lands in the Kettle River Range of Ferry County.
The young wolf, weighing 50 pounds, was one of four pack members spotted that day by a WDFW helicopter crew. Identifying adults and young wolves from the air is difficult this time of year due to the size of the animals.
On Sept. 12, WDFW Director Kelly Susewind authorized "incremental" removal of wolves from the OPT pack, after confirming that one or more pack members killed one calf and injured five others from Sept. 4-7 on a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) grazing allotment.
One day after the juvenile wolf was removed, WDFW confirmed that an adult cow was killed by wolves in the same general area. WDFW staff investigating the cow carcass determined that it was likely killed prior to the removal of the wolf. The department is currently working to determine the next option to deter wolf depredation by the OPT pack under the current incremental removal action. This action is consistent with the state’s Wolf Conservation and Management Plan and wolf-livestock protocol, which allows the department to take lethal action after confirming three depredations by wolves on livestock within 30 days or four within 10 months.
The series of depredations from Sept. 4-7 met the first criterion, in addition to a requirement in the protocol that non-lethal deterrents were in place, but did not prevent conflict between wolves and livestock. Non-lethal deterrents employed by the livestock producer whose cattle were killed or injured by the OPT pack include:
• Using range riders to keep watch over his herd.
• Calving outside of occupied wolf range
• Delaying turning out cattle until July 10 – a month later than usual – when calving is finished and the calves are larger and less prone to predation.
• Removing or securing livestock carcasses to avoid attracting wolves to the rest of the herd.
• Removing sick and injured livestock from the grazing area.
Related Links:
Wyoming hunt - Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Recovery lawsuit - Bemidji Pioneer
Texas - El Paso Sierra Club
Canada - CBC Calgary
Profanity Pack - Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Wolf Watch - by Cat Urbigkit, Pinedale Online!
Upcoming meetings for Roosevelt Fire (posted 9/24/18)
Several meetings are scheduled this week for the Roosevelt Fire:
Monday, September 24: at 6 pm - Meeting for Hoback Ranches residents only. Bondurant Elementary School.
Tuesday, September 25: at 6 pm - Public meeting at the Bondurant Elementary School
Wednesday, September 26: at 6 pm - Public meeting in Daniel, location to be announced
Source: Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF/
Roosevelt Fire Update Sept. 24, 2018 (posted 9/24/18)
Roosevelt Fire Information
Monday, September 24, 2018 as of 8:00 a.m.
Date of Detection: September 15, 2018
Current Size: 48,348 acres
Location: 32 miles south of Jackson, WY
Cause: Unknown
Containment: 22%
Structures Lost: 3 confirmed, more to be determined
Injuries: 0
Resources on Fire: There are currently 800 personnel on this incident
CREWS: 20
TYPE 1 HELICOPTERS: 5
TYPE 2 HELICOPTERS: 9
TYPE 3 HELICOPTERS: 4
ENGINES: 47
DOZERS: 6
WATER TENDERS: 12
FIRE UPDATE: Fire activity was extreme on the northeast and east sides of the fire yesterday (Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018). The fire burned through the Hoback Ranches area, and additional structures have been lost. A preliminary damage assessment is under way this morning, and the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office will make notifications to property owners. As fire activity became extreme and unsafe, firefighters temporary pulled back to safety zones. Aerial firefighting assets where used throughout the afternoon and evening with a total of 22 aircraft involved in the operation including Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs). Once firefighters were able to return to the active fire area, they conducted point protection on homes in the Hoback Ridge area in order to save homes.
The fire made a push toward State Highway 189/191 and burned within ¼ mile of the highway near mile marker 134. It has not crossed the highway at this time, but it may in the near future. Highway 191/189 is open at this time, but did temporarily close yesterday and may be closed again depending on fire activity. Check with Wyoming Department of Transportation for current status. Demasters’s Type 1 Incident Management team assumed command of the fire today.
Fire activity in Upper Hoback and Rolling Thunder areas remained low to moderate, with no structures lost. The fire has not reached the Jim Bridger Estates area. Strategic objectives of this fire are to minimize loss of structures and infrastructure, keep the fire south and west of State Highway 189/191 and north of the Jim Bridger Estates, and to provide firefighting resources to aid local districts with initial attack.
With yet another Red Flag Warning in effect for dry fuels and windy conditions from noon to 8p.m. today, firefighting operations will remain focus on structure protection and point protection tactics. The Roosevelt Fire is being attacked as a 100% full suppression fire that is the #1 effort within the geographic area, and within the nation – firefighting resources have been made readily available to the effort.
EVACUATIONS: The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has issued numerous Evacuation Orders. Please contact the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Office at: 307-360-7737 or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SubletteSheriff/
HUNTING SEASON: Big Game rifle and bow hunters displaced from the Roosevelt Fire should contact the Wyoming Game & Fish Department – Pinedale Regional Office for hunting updates at 307-367-4353 or on the web: http://www.wsfd.wyo.gov/hunting
For additional fire information, please follow the Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF/?ref=br_rs
and at Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/
Roosevelt Fire Information: 884-692-5341 or 884-692-5334
Call Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Email: 2018_WYBTF_rooseveltfire@firenet.gov
US 189/191 reopens (posted 9/23/18)
Sunday, Sept. 23, 11:20PM: WYDOT reports US 189/191 between Daniel Junction and Hoback Junction has reopened. Please check with www.wyoroad.info for current status as situation with the Roosevelt Fire evolves.
Roosevelt Fire suppression efforts. Photo by Dave Bell.
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Roosevelt Fire photos (posted 9/23/18)
Dave Bell posted pictures from the Roosevelt Fire. Click here to view: Roosevelt Fire-September, 2018 Album
US 189/191 CLOSED due to Roosevelt Fire (posted 9/23/18)
No through traffic between Pinedale and Jackson
Roosevelt Fire Information
NOTICE OF HIGHWAY CLOSURE, Sept. 23, 2018, 1:42PM updated 4:00PM: Effective immediately, US 189/191 is closed from Daniel Junction (mile marker 110) to HOBACK JUNCTION due to the #RooseveltFire. The fire is expected to reach the highway by Monday night. Travelers must use alternate routes. No through traffic from Pinedale north to Jackson or Yellowstone National Park. Do not use the McDougal Pass road due to closures for the Marten Creek Fire. Updates can be found on the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, the Sublette County Emergency Management Facebook page, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/, and www.wyoroad.info.
Marten Creek Fire Sept. 23, 2018
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Marten Creek Fire Update - Sunday, September 23, 2018 (posted 9/23/18)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Current Size: 5,602 acres
Containment: 7%
Resources: 376 personnel
Location: 13 miles east of Afton WY
Legal Description: Latitude: 42ᵒ 42’ 21" Longitude: 110ᵒ 40’ 45"
Cause: Human, Under Investigation
Public Information Officers will be present to answer questions at two locations from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm today:
• Greys River Ranger District, 671 North Washington Street, Afton, WY 83110
• Alpine Visitor Information Center, 121 US-89, Alpine, WY 83128
RED FLAG WARNING TODAY
High winds, low humidity, and higher temperatures create perfect conditions for a very large fire.
MARTIN CREEK FIRE: RED FLAG CONDITIONS TODAY and RESTRICTIONS ARE IN PLACE.
Be especially careful when recreating on your National Forest due to fire conditions. Follow Stage 1 restrictions and closure regulations.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions allow fires on in approved fire pits, rings or grills in developed areas, and smoking is restricted to certain locations. Fire restrictions on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park include: • Lighting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, barbecue or grill is allowed only at designated recreation sites such as established campgrounds or picnic areas. Use of portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, or use of a fully enclosed sheepherder type stove with a spark arrester screen is permitted. • Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, building (unless otherwise prohibited), developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials (i.e. parking lots, developed campsites, or locations surrounded by water). Basically it means no open fires except in designated forest service grills. For areas where fires are permitted, go to the Teton Interagency Fire web site at www.TetonFires.com.
As expected, yesterday’s Red Flag weather conditions created active and challenging fire behavior in all parts of the Marten Creek Fire. Firefighters held the fire within most containment lines on the west, south, and east. The fire crossed the lines in a few places, but firefighters quickly contained those small areas. Two new crews were flown into the east side, to increase the number of firefighters working there.
Today, Sunday, September 23, firefighters expect another day of active fire behavior. They will continue to extend and improve containment lines, and evaluate where containment lines can be built in the steep and rugged terrain to the north. Due to warm, dry, and windy conditions, a Red Flag warning is in effect until 8:00 pm today. This evening, a dry cold front will reduce temperatures and shift wind direction, but no rain is expected. As fire activity and wind direction change, air quality can also rapidly change. Be ready to take precautions if you or your family are sensitive to smoke.
FOREST CLOSURE: To protect firefighter and public safety, a portion of the Bridger-Teton National Forest around the Marten Creek Fire remains closed to public access. The official closure order can be read at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd596102.pdf
Big Game rifle and bow hunters displaced from the Marten Creek Fire can receive hunting updates at http://wgfd.wyo.gov/hunting For answers to specific questions, hunters can contact the Wyoming Game & Fish Department’s Jackson Regional Office by calling Gary Fralick at 307-730-2802 or James Hobbs at 307-885-3717.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Marten Creek Fire Public Information Line (8 am to 7 pm): 844-400-7569
Marten Creek Fire page on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6214/
Teton Interagency Fire Center: http://www.tetonfires.com
Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF
Environmental Protection Agency smoke information: https://www.epa.gov/air-research/smoke-ready-toolbox-wildfires
The new Irish Fire is located about 3 miles northwest of Big Sandy in the Wind River Mountains.
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Irish Fire starts near Big Sandy (posted 9/22/18)
Evacuations for Big Sandy Lodge, Opening, trailhead, and Temple Peak Summer Homes
Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 22, 2018 – A new fire—the Irish Fire—was located on the Pinedale Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest at approximately 2:30 p.m. Saturday, September 22. It is in remote, rugged terrain approximately 30 miles southeast of Pinedale, a half mile southwest of the Bridger Wilderness boundary, and 3 miles northwest of Big Sandy.
A helicopter was dispatched and reported smoke but no visible flames and estimated the fire to be approximately 5 acres. The helicopter was diverted to assist with evacuations. When air attack flew over the fire around 3:30 p.m., it was estimated to be 30 acres. The pilot reported very active fire behavior: torching, spotting, and spreading quickly in a generally easterly direction.
Forest Service engines poised for initial attack responded with a full-suppression strategy and a priority of protecting the public from the outset. Numerous hunting camps and individuals are in front of the fire, so the Forest’s immediate response included contacting Sublette County, which then used Reverse 911 to evacuate the Big Sandy area. Firefighters’ priority is public safety and getting people out of the way of this rapidly advancing fire. They are getting assistance from aerial resources to locate, notify, and evacuate people in front of the fire. Interagency resources being used in the initial attack of this fire—some of which were diverted from the nearby Roosevelt Fire—include air tankers, helicopters, engines, and numerous firefighters.
Monitor the Forest’s Facebook page (facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF) or contact the Pinedale Ranger District at 307-367-5700 for more information.
Type 1 Incident Management Team ordered for Roosevelt Fire (posted 9/21/18)
Fire grows to over 31,000 acres, 3 structures lost, evacuation area expands
Bridger-Teton National Forest
September 21, 2018, 5:17PM – Bridger-Teton National Forest fire managers and Unit Administrators for Sublette County Unified Fire, Bureau of Land Management and Wyoming State Forestry Division have ordered a national Type 1 incident management team Friday, September 21, to manage the Roosevelt Fire. The incident’s complexity is increasing as structures have been damaged and evacuation orders are expanding. Fire managers also recognize the need for the additional planning and operations capacity that a Type 1 team can provide.
Members of Great Basin Team 2—led by Incident Commander Tony DeMasters—will receive a briefing at the Bondurant Fire Hall on Saturday, September 22. On Sunday, September 23 the team will "shadow" Great Basin Team 6, the team currently managing the fire. Transfer of command will take place Monday, September 23 at 6 AM.
The Roosevelt Fire was detected on Saturday, September 15. A local Type 3 incident management team managed the fire until Great Basin Team 6 took command of the fire on Wednesday, September 19.
Roosevelt Fire Information: 884-692-5341 or 884-692-5334 Call Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Email: 2018_WYBTF_rooseveltfire@firenet.gov
Related Links:
Roosevelt Fire on Inciweb
New Closure for Merna/North Beaver area September 21, 2018
Fire Restrictions implemented on Federal Lands September 21, 2018
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page
Sublette County Emergency Management Facebook page
Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page
www.tetonfires.com
Roosevelt Fire updates Pinedale Online!
Other resources (posted 9/21/18)
Other Resources:
Anyone who needs help with shelter can contact the Red Cross for a list of resources and people offering to help. Call Trudy Fry, 307-231-6402.
The Pinedale Lions Club is keeping a list of community members who are offering other assistance to those impacted by the fire (places to put livestock, help with transportation, etc). Contact Mindi Crabb at rooseveltfireaid@gmail.com and they will get you in touch with the appropriate assistance. You may also email this address to add your name to the growing list of assistance offers.
Also, the Wyoming Food Bank of the Rockies will be holding a mobile pantry at the Sublette County Chamber of Commerce in Pinedale on Monday, Sept. 24 at 4:00PM. They will be sending additional pallets of drinks to be distributed to displaced families.
Fire Restrictions implemented on Federal Lands (posted 9/21/18)
Fire Restrictions implemented on Federal Lands
WESTERN WYOMING - The Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park and the High Desert District of the Bureau of Land Management, as well as Teton, Sublette and Lincoln Counties in Wyoming, are implementing fire restrictions. The restrictions do not apply to the Gros Ventre, Bridger and Teton Wilderness.
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be implemented on federal public lands as of 12:01 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, September 22. These restrictions allow fires only in approved fire pits, rings or grills in developed areas, and smoking is restricted to certain locations.
Fire restrictions on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park include:
• Lighting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, barbecue or grill is allowed only at designated recreation sites such as established campgrounds or picnic areas. Use of portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, or use of a fully enclosed sheepherder type stove with a spark arrester screen is permitted.
• Smoking is allowed only in an enclosed vehicle, building (unless otherwise prohibited), developed recreation site, or while in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials (i.e. parking lots, developed campsites, or locations surrounded by water).
Many campgrounds on federal lands are closing for the season, or discontinuing visitor amenities such as water. On the Bridger-Teton National Forest, many campgrounds remain open but water may not be available due to cooler temperatures and potential for freezing pipes. Campers and hunters may need to transport their own water and must have sufficient water available to fully extinguish a campfire or warming fire.
The moisture content of various fuel types, current and expected weather conditions, and available fire-fighting resources, as well as the occurrence of human-caused fires are factors in the determination to implement fire restrictions on public lands.
Unattended or abandoned campfires can quickly escalate into wildfires. The fire danger for the area is very high, and all campfires and warming fires should always be attended to. When leaving a campfire or warming fire, please be sure the fire is "dead out" and cold to the touch.
The following restrictions exist year round on federal public lands:
• Operating a chainsaw is prohibited in national parks. Operating a chainsaw on national forest lands is permitted only when equipped with a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester that is properly installed and in effective working order. Operators must also carry a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
• Discharge of fireworks and use of explosives requiring blasting caps are prohibited.
Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, and/or by imprisonment for more than six months.
For specific information about designated recreation sites and locations where fires are allowed on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park, please visit www.TetonFires.com and click on restrictions.
The public is encouraged to report illegal campfires, as well as smoke reports, to Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch at 307-739-3630. For more information about fire restrictions, fire activity in the area, and fire prevention visit www.TetonFires.com.
BLM issues Stage 1 Fire Restrictions for Sublette, Lincoln Counties (posted 9/21/18)
Bureau of Land Management
ROCK SPRINGS, WYOMING - Due to drying conditions and high fuel loading, the Bureau of Land Management High Desert District is implementing fire restrictions for all BLM-administered public lands within the boundaries of Sublette and Lincoln Counties, beginning midnight Sept. 21, 2018. The BLM urges visitors to these public lands to adhere to the restrictions, which aid firefighters and help prevent new fires.
Under fire restrictions the following acts are prohibited:
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire except within agency-provided fire grates at developed recreation sites, or within fully enclosed stoves with a ¼" spark arrester type screen, or within fully enclosed grills, or in stoves using pressurized liquid or gas.
• Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.
• Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and working, a chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity by weight, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 36 inches.
• Using a welder, either arc or gas, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame, except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter with a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8 ounces capacity.
These fire restrictions are in addition to the year-round wildfire prevention restrictions on BLM-administered public lands in Wyoming. These are:
• Discharge or use of any fireworks.
• Discharge of a firearm using incendiary or tracer ammunition.
• Burn, ignite or cause to burn any tire, wire, magnesium, or any other hazardous or explosive material.
• Operate any off-road vehicle on public lands unless the vehicle is equipped with a properly installed spark arrester pursuant to 43 CFR 8343.1 (c).
The following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a permit or letter of authorization specifically authorizing the prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
For more information about BLM Wyoming fire restrictions, please visit https://www.blm.gov/wyoming-fire-restrictions.
Low temperature reports for western Wyoming Sept. 21 (posted 9/21/18)
National Weather Service - Riverton
Some of the coldest temperatures of the season so far occurred this morning (Friday, September 21, 2018). The following are the coldest morning low temperatures across the area.
Location Temp Time/Date Elevation (ft.)
Sublette County
Bondurant, 14 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6650
21 W Big Piney, 16 F, 0609 AM, 09/21, 8200
2 NW Bondurant, 18 F, 0551 AM, 09/21, 6726
10 NNW Daniel, 18 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 7470
6 NW Cora, 19 F, 0532 AM, 09/21, 7462
7 NE Pinedale, 20 F, 0526 AM, 09/21, 8530
3 W Big Piney, 20 F, 0430 AM, 09/21, 6990
Big Piney Airport, 20 F, 0553 AM, 09/21, 6974
9 NW Marbleton, 21 F, 0450 AM, 09/21, 7176
8 SE Bondurant, 21 F, 0536 AM, 09/21, 7797
Pinedale Airport, 21 F, 0550 AM, 09/21, 7085
9 E Big Piney, 23 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6803
1 NE Pinedale, 25 F, 0553 AM, 09/21, 7382
New Fork Lake, 25 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 8340
14 N Farson, 26 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6780
10 E Big Sandy, 26 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 9080
Pinedale, 30 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 7310
Lincoln County
3 NW Etna, 17 F, 0607 AM, 09/21, 5692
4 W Kemmerer, 19 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6989
4 S Cokeville, 19 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6185
3 E Sage Junction, 23 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 6378
Kemmerer, 24 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6980
3 NW Etna, 24 F, 0530 AM, 09/21, 5676
Cokeville, 25 F, 0530 AM, 09/21, 6160
Etna, 25 F, 0613 AM, 09/21, 5823
5 SSE La Barge, 26 F, 0515 AM, 09/21, 6530
Thayne, 26 F, 0604 AM, 09/21, 5928
4 ESE Diamondville, 27 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6789
Afton Airport, 27 F, 0455 AM, 09/21, 6220
6 WNW Granger, 28 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6359
1 NW Afton, 29 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6211
Afton, 30 F, 0517 AM, 09/21, 6267
Kemmerer Airport, 30 F, 0535 AM, 09/21, 7285
15 E Cokeville, 31 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 7840
4 NE Thayne, 31 F, 0534 AM, 09/21, 6217
2 NW Alpine, 32 F, 0440 AM, 09/21, 5634
4 E Sage Junction, 32 F, 1041 PM, 09/20, 6387
1 S Bedford, 34 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6279
Sweetwater County
Farson, 24 F, 0535 AM, 09/21, 6594
12 W Green River, 26 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6130
8 E Rock Springs, 27 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 6339
5 SSE Point Of Rocks, 28 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6568
1 S Fontenelle Reservoir, 29 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6390
5 E Rock Springs, 30 F, 0600 AM, 09/21, 6369
4 NE Bitter Creek, 31 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6720
Mckinnon, 31 F, 0614 AM, 09/21, 7086
7 WNW Green River, 32 F, 0527 AM, 09/21, 6387
3 ENE Granger, 32 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6254
Green River, 33 F, 0515 AM, 09/21, 6060
6 WSW Rock Springs, 34 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 6212
3 NW Rock Springs, 34 F, 0603 AM, 09/21, 6458
10 E Wamsutter, 34 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 7062
Green River, 35 F, 0603 AM, 09/21, 6091
Teton County
4 W South Entrance YNP, 20 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 7040
South Entrance YNP, 21 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6900
Jackson, 23 F, 0530 AM, 09/21, 6240
4 N Moose, 23 F, 0558 AM, 09/21, 6730
Jackson Hole Airport, 24 F, 0556 AM, 09/21, 6445
1 N Lake, 25 F, 0525 AM, 09/21, 7954
Hoback Junction, 25 F, 0614 AM, 09/21, 5928
Lake Yellowstone, 25 F, 0556 AM, 09/21, 7835
Old Faithful, 25 F, 0525 AM, 09/21, 7481
5 S Of South Entrance YNP, 26 F, 0430 AM, 09/21, 7020
Old Faithful, 26 F, 0515 AM, 09/21, 7320
Moose, 26 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 6466
2 S Grant Village, 27 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 7980
Snake River At Jackson Lake, 27 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6779
Kelly, 27 F, 0545 AM, 09/21, 6653
Lake Village, 28 F, 0530 AM, 09/21, 7875
Teton Saddle, 28 F, 0945 PM, 09/20, 11610
7 E Moran Jct, 28 F, 0552 AM, 09/21, 7251
2 NE Wilson, 29 F, 0522 AM, 09/21, 6184
Jackson, 29 F, 0525 AM, 09/21, 6247
8 NNE Moran Junction, 30 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 7030
Togwotee Pass, 31 F, 0500 AM, 09/21, 9850
5 ESE Hoback Junction, 31 F, 0455 AM, 09/21, 5789
6 S Lewis Lake In YNP, 35 F, 0400 AM, 09/21, 7850
Observations are collected from a variety of sources with varying equipment and exposures. We thank all volunteer weather observers for their dedication. Not all data listed are considered official. More weather info can be found at www.weather.gov/riverton
Sublette County Fire Chief Shad Cooper talks to members of the community at the Bondurant public meeting for the Roosevelt Fire. Facebook Live image.
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Roosevelt fire community meeting (posted 9/20/18)
Pinedale Online!
There was a community meeting held in Bondurant for the Roosevelt Fire on Thursday evening, Sept. 20th at the Bondurant elementary school. The Forest Service live streamed the meeting on the Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page for those who could not attend in person.
Presentations were given by the Bridger-Teton National Forest Deputy Forest Supervisor, the Roosevelt Fire Incident Commander, the Roosevelt Fire Operations Officer, the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer, the Wyoming State Forester, and Sublette County Fire Chief.
Highlights:
Fire restrictions go into effect at midnight tonight (Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018).
Officials are making every effort to get information out to the public as quickly as they can.
The weather, fuels, and topography are making firefighting very difficult.
The objective for the fire is full suppression.
There are 453 people working on the fire right now.
The #1 goal is to not get anyone killed.
This fire is competing for resources with 32 other large fires across the country.
They are identifying areas for point protection and defining action trigger points.
They believe some homes have been damaged, but the fire is too hot and unsafe to send anyone in to check right now to find out for sure.
There are 200 more firefighters coming tomorrow to help with Roosevelt Fire.
Winds today are sending fire towards Rolling Thunder and Jim Bridger Estates. They are concerned about it moving towards the Rim.
Officials ask the community to come together and help with the firefighting efforts.
Thank you to the over 100 volunteer firefighters in Sublette County who are helping.
The meeting lasted about one hour. The counter on the Facebook livestream showed a high of 552 people watching the meeting online.
Click on this link to see the recording of the meeting: Sept. 20, 2018 Roosevelt Fire public meeting in Bondurant at the elementary school.
Roosevelt Fire public information phone numbers, 7AM to 7PM:
844-692-5341
844-692-5334
Roosevelt Fire information on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/
Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SubletteSheriff/
Sublette County Emergency Management Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Sublette-County-Emergency-Management-579372758805868/
Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BridgerTetonNF/
Interagency fire information: www.tetonfires.com
Pinedale Online Roosevelt Fire updates, photos and maps: Roosevelt Fire updates
Fire ban passed for Sublette County (posted 9/19/18)
Holly Dabb, Pinedale Roundup
Sublette County Commissioners called an emergency telephone meeting Thursday, Sept. 19, at 8 p.m. and passed a resolution banning all fires in Sublette County effective 12:01 a.m. Sept. 20 due to extreme fire dangers. Attendees were Commissioners Andy Nelson, Joel Bousman, David Burnett, Tom Noble, Mack Rawhouser, and Sublette County Clerk Mary Lankford.
The ban is a partial closure of all areas within the boundaries of Sublette County to the use of open fires and incendiary devices, for an indefinite period including:
• Discharge of fireworks and all outdoor fires are prohibited in unimproved areas, except as provided below:
1. Trash or refuse fires between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8 a.m., inside containers provided with spark arresters and located within a cleared area 10 feet in radius, are permitted.
2. Campfires contained within an established fire ring in cleared areas, 10 feet in radius, are permitted.
3. Charcoal fires within enclosed grills are permitted.
4. Use of acetylene cutting torches or electric arc welders in cleared areas, 10 feet in radius, are permitted. Operators must also carry a fire extinguisher and a shovel.
5. Propane or open fire branding activities in cleared areas, 10 feet in radius, are permitted. Operators must also carry a fire extinguisher and a shovel.
Wyoming law requires all emergency actions by a county commission be confirmed in a scheduled meeting, which has been set by phone for 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 21.
Related Links:
www.pinedaleroundup.com
FEMA authorizes funds to help fight Roosevelt Fire in Sublette County, Wyoming (posted 9/19/18)
25,000+ acre fire threatens 250 homes, causes mandatory evacuation of 500 residents
Federal Emergency Management Agency
September 18, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has authorized the use of federal funds to help with firefighting costs for the Roosevelt Fire in Sublette County, south of Bondurant. FEMA Regional Administrator Lee K. dePalo approved the state’s request for a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) after receiving the state’s request Tuesday evening.
At the time of the request, the fire was threatening 250 homes in Sublette County. Mandatory evacuations are taking place for approximately 500 residents. The fire is also threatening the Hoback Watershed which supports the local community. The fire started on September 15, 2018 and has burned in excess of 20,000 acres of private and federal land. The fire is zero-percent contained.
The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires. These grants do not provide assistance to individual home or business owners and do not cover other infrastructure damage caused by the fire.
Fire Management Assistance Grants are provided through the President's Disaster Relief Fund and made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster. Eligible items can include expenses for field camps; equipment use, repair and replacement; mobilization and demobilization activities; and tools, materials and supplies.
For your reference, a fact sheet on the Fire Management Assistance Grant Program is attached.
If you have questions, please contact FEMA Region VIII’s Office of External Affairs at (303) 235-4908.
Roosevelt Fire on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6212/
Fire Danger Very High
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PLEASE be responsible with fire (posted 9/18/18)
Some fires on National Forest believed to be human-caused
Teton Interagency Fire media release
WESTERN WYOMING - Recent "Red Flag Warnings" in the area combined with extremely dry vegetation has created ideal conditions for wildland fire combustion, rapid fire spread and possible erratic fire behavior.
A "Red Flag Warning" is a fire forecast warning used by the National Weather Service to inform firefighting and land management agencies, and the public, that critical fire weather conditions exist. Weather conditions with this warning include low relative humidity, warm temperatures and strong winds.
Conditions on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and National Elk Refuge, as well as across Teton, Sublette and Lincoln Counties are dry, with little moisture received since late August. Since September 12, a "Red Flag Warning" has been issued daily for the Teton Interagency Dispatch area and this has been the driving force behind the large fire growth seen on the Roosevelt and Marten Fires recently.
During such conditions, the possibility of human-caused fires increases greatly. Although the nights are cold, fire danger is very high. Everyone, especially hunters, are reminded to be responsible with fire and have situational awareness regarding anything that may spark a fire.
Some key reminders and responsibilities include:
Make sure it is legal to have a campfire or warming fire,
Start and maintain a campfire or warming fire properly, and always have a shovel and water available,
Completely extinguish a campfire or warming fire when leaving the site,
Maintain vehicles and trailers properly so nothing is throwing a spark,
Do not drive through or park on dry grass or vegetation, and
Practice fire-safe target shooting.
In the past week, the Bridger-Teton National Forest has had approximately eight fire starts and some of them are believed to be human-caused, including the Marten Fire. Due to fire activity and for human safety, there are several area, road and trail closures on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Please visit Teton Interagency Fire website at tetonfires.com for more information.
To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
Fire Danger has been raised to Very High
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Fire Danger increases to Very High (posted 9/17/18)
Exceptionally dry conditions exist
Bridger-Teton National Forest
WESTERN WYOMING - The fire danger rating has been elevated to Very High for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, National Elk Refuge, and remaining portions of the Teton Interagency Dispatch area.
The area has seen exceptionally dry conditions since the last appreciable rain in late August, and fuel conditions are at their driest of the season. In addition, several days of red flag warnings have elevated local fire conditions. A red flag warning is issued by the National Weather Service when relative humidity is expected to be at or below 15% and strong gusty winds are anticipated, and conditions are ideal for wildland fire combustion and rapid spread. Red flag warnings have been issued for the Teton Interagency and surrounding areas each day since late last week. Under these conditions, local residents and visitors alike should practice heightened fire safety at all times.
When the fire danger is very high, fires can start easily from both human-caused and natural causes and, immediately after ignition, spread rapidly and increase quickly in intensity. Small fires can quickly become large fires and be difficult to control. They often become longer-lasting fires, exhibiting extreme fire behavior and requiring more personnel and resources. When determining fire danger, fire managers use several indicators such as the moisture content of grasses, shrubs, and trees; projected weather conditions including temperatures and possible wind events; the ability of fire to spread after ignition; and availability of firefighting resources across the country.
Over the past several days, multiple fires have started on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park. The two largest fires are the Roosevelt Fire on the Big Piney District and the Marten Creek Fire on the Greys River District, both located on the national forest. Additional fires are burning in Grand Teton National Park and the Blackrock and Pinedale Districts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. For current information and media releases on any fires in the area, check the Teton Interagency Fire website at tetonfires.com.
At this time of the season, fire resources are stretched thin as employees finish their seasons and crews are released for the year. Many visitors and recreationists may drop their guard as nights get colder and fires season seems to wane. As hunting season picks up in the area, it is especially important to extinguish warming fires and campfires before leaving the area. Ensure all campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving your site. Visitors should never leave a fire unattended. The fine for an abandoned campfire is $225, but campers can also be held liable for suppression costs if their campfire becomes a wildfire.
To report a fire or smoke in the immediate area, call the Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
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