Fontenelle Fact Sheet for Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Incident: Fontenelle Fire Wildfire
Released: 7/17/2012
Fontenelle Fire Fact Sheet for Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Status: The Fontenelle Fire began on June 24, 2012 and is located mainly in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and BLM High Desert District as well as state and private lands approximately 18 miles west of Big Piney, Wyoming. The fire is creeping in heavy, dead timber with occasional areas of grass and sage in the lower elevations. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Fire Statistics: 64,083 acres burned or 100 square miles | 87% contained | 116 personnel
Recent Events: Light precipitation was observed over the fire area the morning of July 16. However, creeping fire behavior and some single and group tree torching were also observed. The fire management team advises that containment efforts will carry on since recent moisture has not put out the fire.
Today's Strategy: Crews will monitor, patrol and improve control lines. Backhaul operations, rehabilitation and road repair work continue.
Variable fire severity within the fire's perimeter resulted in a mosaic burn pattern. While some areas saw extreme fire behavior that consumed all available vegetation, other portions were burned less severely or not at all. Smoke will be visible in the coming months as the fire creeps through unburned vegetation within the fire perimeter. Firefighters will monitor the fire throughout the summer to ensure that the isolated, interior fire activity stays within the existing perimeter.
Forecast: Isolated showers will pass through the area. Warmer temperatures and lower humidity are expected in the next week.
Closures: The closure order has been lifted in certain areas; the following roads and trails are now open:
·Middle Piney Road to the summer homes and Middle Piney Lake;
·The road north from Middle Piney to Bare Pass;
·South Piney Road to Snyder Basin and over Thompson Pass to LaBarge Creek;
·LaBarge Creek Road.
Note: Indian Creek-Coal Creek Road through Fish Creek from Middle Piney to South Piney at Snyder Basin remains CLOSED.
The public is urged to use caution when entering the fire area as there will be fire-related traffic and the possibility of limited vision due to smoke.
More Information: Please visit www.fs.usda.gov/btnf, www.inciweb.org, www.tetonfires.com, or www.wildlandfires.info.
