North Buffalo Fire Update Tuesday Septemeber 25, 2012
Incident: North Buffalo Fire Wildfire
Released: 9/25/2012
Information Update for the North Buffalo Fire
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
With the North Buffalo Fire burning in the Teton Wilderness area, Fire Managers continue efforts to provide for public safety. Prior to an increase in fire activity on Saturday, September 22, 2012 an increase in area closure was implemented. This information has been posted at prevalent trailheads that access the remote area. With hunting season in full swing, great efforts are being made to keep hunters and outfitters aware that there are dangers to life and property due not only to fire activity but to the after effects of the burn as well. The fire has impacted trails and caution should be exercised whenever passing around and through burnt timber. Burned trees could shed branches or come crashing down without warning.
A Teton Fire Interagency Module led by Jim Ramirez has been working for the past 21 days to secure the southwest corner of the fire, clear fallen trees from trails and reduce the snag hazards. Yesterday's shift in weather brought some moisture to the area which facilitated a transition of these wilderness firefighters. The King's Peak Fire Module out of the Ashley National Forest in Utah was brought in to carry on the efforts. Incoming Incident Commander Jerry Strebel and his crew was able to meet with Ramirez and his squad at an operational briefing to get the best information about the suppression efforts to date and devise a current plan of action. Priorities will include firefighter and public safety, assisting hunters and outfitters to avoid dangerous conditions and improving access and trails that have been affected by the fire's passage.
Hunters are asked to assist in these efforts by respecting the area closures, remaining aware if they must pass through snag patches and maintaining proper hunter safety guidelines. There are a significant amount of other hunters, pack animals, and firefighters operating in the wilderness. Please take that extra moment to be sure of what you're shooting at.
