Evening Update 9/15
Incident: Horsethief Canyon Wildfire
Released: 9/15/2012
Horsethief Canyon Fire Evening Update
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Contact Fire Information
307.739.5577
HorsethiefCanyonFire@gmail.com
Size: 3,353 acres
Percent Contained: 42
Resources: 9 Helicopters; 16 Crews; 42 Engines; 3 Dozers
Total Personnel: 669
Cost to Date: $4.7 million
In spite of increased winds and single-digit humidity in the afternoon, fire activity was limited to some torching within the perimeter of the fire and minimal spotting, and very little smoke was visible from Jackson. With help from the helicopters, hand crews held existing lines on the Horsethief Canyon Fire today while also creating additional line on the southern perimeter. Turbulent winds on the lower west flank forced crews to drop back but the Type 1 helicopters successfully continued operations in that area.
Structure assessments took place today in the Porcupine Creek area. Fire crews have assessed over 500 structures since the fire began and have developed contingency plans for those areas. Dozers constructed additional lines to protect the Game Creek and Porcupine Creek subdivisions. Large, portable water tanks were set up at strategic locations. These actions are precautionary in case fire activity increases.
Fire engines continue to provide protection in east Jackson and the Game Creek subdivision. All homeowners, even those not immediately affected by the fire area, are encouraged to take actions to make their homes more survivable against wildfire. Information can be found at http://www.firewise.org/.
The public is discouraged from gathering along the east end of Broadway along the Elk Refuge fence to view helicopters. Traffic congestion creates a hazard for emergency vehicles and can impact fire aviation operations. The Elk Refuge Road is closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to pedestrians and bicycles from the intersection of E. Broadway and Elk Refuge Road to the Miller House. Local traffic is permitted through but can expect delays. Vehicles are not allowed to stop along the road due to helicopter operations. This closure is being enacted to allow helicopters to safely operate.
Closure Information: No evacuation advisory is in effect, however, residents and visitors are reminded that an area closure is still in effect for Cache and Game Creeks, including trails on Snow King. The purpose of the closure is to provide for protection of forest visitors from the current fire safety hazards associated with the Horsethief Canyon Fire.
For additional information, see http://inciweb.org/incident/3241/ or http://www.tetonfires.com/. Sign up at http://www.nixle.com/ for emergency updates from Teton County.
