Sunday, July 8, 2012

Update on Fontenelle Fire As of Sunday July 8th

As of yesterday, the Fontenelle Fire was burning 63,937 acres burned or 100 square miles on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, BLM High Desert District and State/Private Lands approximately 17 miles west of Big Piney. It began on June 24th and is currently burning in heavy, dead timber with occasional areas of grass and sage in the lower elevations. It is at 55% contained with 797 personnel on the scene.

 Local officials and fire managers will be sharing information about the fire and taking questions from the community at a public meeting. That meeting will take place tonight at 7 PM at the LDS Church located at 2266 Piney Road in Big Piney.

Yesterday, Hotshot crews concentrated on portions of the fire north of Middle Piney Road on the north perimeter and north of Cabin Creek on the west perimeter. Fire crews remained on the east perimeter to hold and build the line. The weather forecast has slightly increasing temperatures and lower humidity are predicted in the coming week with the diminishing possibility of thunderstorms and scattered showers.

Road closures extend south from Bare Pass, west to N. Piney Meadows and Tri Basin Divide, south to Cheese Pass, Mount Isabel, and Red Park, east to the junction of LaBarge Creek Road, and north to Bare Pass along the forest boundary. Further closures may be needed to ensure firefighter and public safety. The public is asked to be cautious when driving on the Middle Piney and LaBarge roads between Hwy. 189 to the closure at the forest boundary as there may be fire traffic and limited vision due to smoke.

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