Horsethief Canyon Fire Wednesday, Sept. 19 Update
Incident: Horsethief Canyon Wildfire
Released: 9/19/2012
Horsethief Canyon Fire Update
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Contact Fire Information
307.739.5577
HorsethiefCanyonFire@gmail.com
Size: 3,373 acres
Percent Contained: 82
Resources: 12 Crews; 5 Helicopters; 20 Engines, 1 Dozer
Total Personnel: 473
Cost to Date: $7.1 million
Significant progress was made yesterday in securing additional line on the north and east edges of the fire. Results from an infrared (IR) mapping flight showed interior hot spots but nothing that might challenge containment. The IR data will help firefighters focus efforts on specific locations where heat may persist.
In the east Jackson area, structure protection crews finished dismantling sprinkler lines and water systems in all areas except for some remaining measures at Snow King that will be pulled off the hill today. In the Game Creek and Porcupine Creek subdivisions, structure protection measures remain in place. Crews will improve lines and extinguish pockets of accessible heat in the Wilson Creek drainage, while helicopters address hot spots in the less accessible terrain.
The retardant mixing station at the Elk Refuge will be dismantled and demobilized today. Residents and visitors are reminded that the entry section of the Elk Refuge Road is still closed to all pedestrians and bicyclists from 8 am to 8 pm to ensure safety during the helicopter operations. Vehicles are allowed through but not permitted to stop within this section of road.
Yesterday afternoon the Bridger-Teton National Forest opened several trails within the area closure, including: Snow King Mountain trail to the top of Cougar Lift, Sink or Swim Trail from Snow King Resort to Josie's Ridge, KC Trail, Josie's Ridge trail up to 7200' elevation, and access trails between Snow King Resort and Josie's Ridge, including Shade Monkey, Wildlife Lane trailhead access and Flat Creek trailhead access. Users are reminded that closure orders are posted for reference, as a large area does remain closed for the protection of firefighters as well as the public.
Representatives from the Wildland Firefighter Foundation will be in Jackson and at the incident camp this week. The mission of the Foundation is to support firefighters and their families in the event of a fire fighter injury or fatality. They are planning to host a firefighter appreciation event at 7PM this evening at Snow King Resort. The Information Center will be closed at 7 pm so personnel can attend this function.
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. With the direct threat of the Horsethief fire abating, all homeowners are encouraged to take actions to make their homes more survivable against wildfire. Information can be found at http://www.firewise.org/. Please remember that open burn restrictions are still in place.
