JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — A little rain over the past 48 hours was a welcome sight for those fighting the Soda Lake Fire near Pinedale.
The current size is now estimated at 96 acres with active fire behavior. Crews totaling 95 in all are pursuing a full-suppression strategy. Great Basin-Nevada Team 2 will assume command on Friday, July 30.
The fire is burning three miles west of the national forest boundary near South Cottonwood Creek on the Big Piney District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. It was first spotted July 27 around 3pm. Cause of the blaze is unknown.
Air resources assigned to the fire include light, medium, and heavy helicopters and multiple air tankers. A New South Wales Rural Fire Service Large Air Tanker on loan from Australia to the National Interagency Fire Center made multiple drops on the fire yesterday.
Thunderstorms brought measurable rainfall to the area Wednesday afternoon and are forecast to return over the next few days. Monsoon moisture may bring significant rainfall to check fire behavior. However, unstable weather can also produce strong and erratic winds and lightning.
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