Jackson Hole residents woke up to a valley filled with wildfire smoke Tuesday morning which had drifted in from the Moose Fire near Salmon, Idaho. As of yesterday afternoon, the fire was measured at 12,238 acres in very steep terrain.
According to Inciweb, the fire is located approximately five miles southwest of the North Fork in the vicinity of Moose Creek and Deadwater on the North Fork Ranger District of Salmon/Challis National Forest.
The fire is burning in grass, brush, and timber on both sides of the Salmon River and the Salmon River Road. Evacuation orders are in place for a number of people who live north of Salmon.
190 fire personnel, seven engines and four helicopters are on scene with Type 1 fire resources on order. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this point. Estimated containment is set for for August 30th.
When smoke fills the local area, Teton District Health Officer, Dr. Travis Riddell says “Everyone should avoid prolonged outdoor exercise when the air quality index, AQI, exceeds 200 and our local air is ‘Very Unhealthy’ or ‘Hazardous’ as defined by AirNow. People who have pre-existing heart and respiratory conditions, including allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are particularly at risk.
