Fontenelle Fire burning on the Bridger-Teton National Forest
by Bridger-Teton National Forest
June 24, 2012
The Fontenelle Fire was reported on the Bridger-Teton National Forest around 4:30pm on Sunday, June 24. The 100-acre fire is burning in heavy dead and fallen timber. Smoke is visible from Big Piney, Pinedale and the Star Valley area. The fire is located approximately three miles west of the Scaler Guard Station and roughly 33-miles northwest of the community of La Barge, Wyoming. There are no closures or evacuations in place at this time. The Fontenelle Fire is being suppressed by eight Smoke Jumpers, who are specialized wildland firefighters, and a helicopter. Additional fire engines have been ordered. The fire is reported to be crowning and spotting. Crown fires are defined as fires that move through the canopy of trees instead of burning along the ground. Crown fires are extremely dangerous and very difficult to fight. Spotting mean many embers are blown or thrown ahead of the fire front accelerating the size of the fire. This type of fire behavior is typical in an area with a fire danger rating of "High". The Bridger-Teton elevated the fire danger to "High" on June 21, 2012. For more information, contact Mary Cernicek, Public Affairs Officer, Bridger-Teton National Forest, 307-739-5564, cell 307-413-2481, mcernicek@fs.fed.us
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