A Type 3 Incident Command Team took over suppression efforts on the Shale Creek Fire burning in the Shale Creek Drainage between Indian Creek and Commissary Ridge and located about half-way between Cokeville and LaBarge on the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Teton Interagency Fire resources were immediately dispatched when the fire was first found on Thursday afternoon, but due to the steep terrain, limited resources available, and lack of access, no ground resources were committed to attack the fire.
Two Single Engine Air Tankers were utilized to slow the fire’s spread, with an additional type-3 helicopter on scene to assess the fire’s spread, potential growth, and ensure no members of the public are in the path of the fire.
The fire is burning in aspen stands along with mixed conifer that has been significantly impacted by beetle kill. With storm systems passing in the afternoons, gusty outflow winds up to 30 miles per hour help fan the fires spread. A reconnaissance flight was able to map the fire’s perimeter at approximately 75 acres.
