Homeowners Allowed Back to Homes Tonight
Incident: Chall Creek Wildfire
Released: 9/20/2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: September 19, 2012
CONTACTS: Mary Cernicek (307) 739-5564
Chall Creek Fire Road Closures In Effect
Big Piney, Wyo.-The Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued an Emergency Road Closurefor the Chall Creek Fire burning on the Big Piney Ranger District 30 miles west of Pinedale,Wyoming.
The Sublette County Sheriff's Office has closed the Merna-North Beaver Road (County 115) atthe junction of Siems Road (County 163). The Bridger-Teton National Forest temporary closureincludes the following Forest Service roads; North Beaver Road(FS#10359), North Fork ofMiddle Beaver Road (FS#10143) and Coyote Gulch Spur Road (FS#10362).
The purpose of the closure is for public and firefighter safety. Crews and equipment areconstructing control lines along the flanks of the fire and engines and fire traffic will be workingalong the roads. Hazardous conditions exist in or near the actively burning wildfire. Thepublic is being asked to avoid traveling or recreating near the fire area. Drivers should usecaution when traveling on Horse Creek Road due to heavy firefighting activity traffic and roadconstruction on Hwy 354.
Evacuations for North Beaver Road, Timberline Lodge, County Road 115/Merna-N.Beaver road, and County Road 163-the Siems road will be lifted Thursday, September 20 at 8:00 p.m. at which time residents will be allowed back in their homes. Closures at theforest boundary will remain in effect until further notice.
The Chall Creek Fire started on Sunday, September 16, 30 miles west of Pinedale, WY. The firebegan on Forest Service lands and spread quickly to adjacent private property. The fire is 400acres burning in timber and sage. Cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Residents and others in the area are asked to be aware of current fire restrictions and exercisecaution as fire conditions can rapidly change. Fires are prohibited except in fully enclosed stoveswith chimney equipped with spark arrestor. Violators could face criminal charges if foundnegligent. Fire danger on the Bridger Teton National Forest is Very High and stage one firerestrictions are in place. For additional Fire information and maps visit www.tetonfires.com.
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