Jim Creek Fire Update: 1,948 acres
Fire Camp closed down; 98 people working fire
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
July 28, 2006
Fire Information: The Jim Creek fire began on June 26 from lightning, 24 miles north of Pinedale, Wyoming, in the Bridger Wilderness. The fire is burning in an area where such natural fires are permissible, both in and out of the wilderness. The fire is being allowed to burn for resource benefit, with crews closely monitoring its progress. No structures are currently threatened by this fire.
Status: 1,948 acres. There are 98 fire personnel assigned to the fire.
Recent Events: On Thursday observers saw individual and group tree torching and 6-foot flame lengths. The fire backed through tangles of logs mostly in the interior of the fire.
A community meeting was held Thursday afternoon at The Place in the Upper Green River Valley for nearby residents. About 15 people attended.
One fire crew member suffered a twisted knee on Thursday and was brought to Pinedale for treatment. Crews completed work on the fire line along portions of Forest Road 711. The fire camp was closed down. Fire crews are camping both near the fire and at the CCC Ponds for now. The Black Hills "fire-use module" is working at the fire. These sorts of fire crews of 8 to 10 people are set up just for fires like Jim Creek. They travel light and stay out near the fire, taking action when needed and doing required weather and fire observation work.
Friday’s Strategy: Crews will continue patrolling near Jim Creek. Crews will also start clearing brush and trees about 2 miles from the fire line to allow a fire line to be built or other tactics to be put into effect if needed.
Closures: The Jim Creek drainage is closed starting at Forest Road 710.
Fire Benefit:
"From a wildlife perspective, as long as there are no homes or structures threatened, we support the Forest Service letting this fire burn," said Nick Scribner, Pinedale Habitat Biologist for the Wyoming Game & Fish Department. "We spend a lot of money on prescribed burns each year trying to mimic Mother Nature, so it makes good sense to let this fire burn," he added.
More Fire Information:
Jack de Golia, Public Information Officer, (307) 367-5713
Jim Creek Fire Info on inciweb.org
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