Evening Update
Incident: Horsethief Canyon Wildfire
Released: 9/16/2012
Horsethief Canyon Fire Evening Update
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Contact Fire Information
307.739.5577
HorsethiefCanyonFire@gmail.com
Size: 3,373 acres
Percent Contained: 57
Resources: 9 Helicopters; 16 Crews; 40 Engines; 3 Dozers
Total Personnel: 650
Start Date: 8 September
Cost to Date: $5.8 million
Today, crews continued to strengthen and secure the containment perimeter of the Horsethief Canyon Fire. Handcrews patrolled and continued direct attack along the northeast flank with aerial support. Despite gusty and erratic winds, firelines are holding well. Most fire activity was in the southeast perimeter where crews continued to secure hotspots with air support in areas inaccessible by engine. The smoke that settled in the valley last night was primarily from the North Buffalo Fire.
In the Game Creek and Porcupine Creek subdivisions, structure protection plans are still being implemented. Dozer lines, hand lines, water tanks, sprinklers, and pump systems were inspected in place. Fire engines continued to provide protection in east Jackson, Game Creek and Porcupine Creek subdivisions. This week's success in implementing plans on the ground will facilitate operations in the event of future incidents. 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/.
Fire managers feel confident enough with progress on the Horsethief Canyon Fire to assist with a new fire reported west of Merna, Wyoming which is threatening private residences. Resources sent from the Horsethief Canyon fire to the Chall Creek Fire include two handcrews and a Type 1 helicopter. Residents and visitors are reminded that open burn restrictions are in place.
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.
