Sandy Fire in Cliff Creek area near Bondurant is season’s first
15-acre blaze is under full suppression orders for its growth potential
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — Fire season just got officially underway in the Jackson Hole area as the first incident of the season was reported Tuesday, June 28 at about 3:30pm.
The Sandy Fire is currently 15 acres in size, spotting into continuous fuel sources, so the risk for expansion is worrisome. The fire is burning on the Big Piney Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest in the Cliff Creek area about six miles west of Bondurant. It is in the vicinity of the confluence of Sandy and Marshall creeks, just south of Monument Ridge.
Forest officials say the fire is under full suppression orders and is currently being fought with support from a Type -3 helicopter, 2 engines, and firefighters from Pinedale, Kemmerer, and Jackson Ranger Districts. A Type 2 handcrew has been ordered is should arrive Wednesday.
Smoke is in the northern Sublette County area along US 189/191. Please do not report this fire.
There are no road or trail closures associated with the fire at this time, although visitors in the area of Sandy and Marshall Creeks, especially near Forest Service Trailhead 139 should use caution.
The fire danger rating is at ‘moderate’ for the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Type 3 helicopters carry nearly 300 gallons of water in each bucket drop and are a useful tool in supporting firefighters on the ground by addressing spot fires ahead of the main fire front or hot spots within the fire area. A Type 2 handcrew is comprised of 20 firefighters trained in wildland firefighting operations.
