Fire Investigator Officers and Agents with U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations on the Bridger-Teton National Forest have been working tirelessly to investigate and determine the cause of the Roosevelt incident. This fire tragically began during a period of heavy recreation use, as many visitors were enjoying their public lands during opening of rifle deer season. The incident led to the loss of private homes and structures and serious injuries to National Forest visitors. Progress has been made with the investigation, including numerous interviews, multiple examinations of the scene and outstanding support from the public.
The Roosevelt fire has been determined to be human caused, originating from an abandoned warming fire on a steep slope in the upper reaches of the Hoback River drainage on Saturday, September 15. Numerous visitors were present in the backcountry between, Friday September 14 and Sunday, September 16. Investigators are asking for anyone with information as to the cause of the incident, or persons responsible, to contact U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement at 208-557-5852. Please leave a detailed message with information as to how investigators may reach you. Continued support from National Forest visitors and our citizen partners in the community is greatly appreciated.
As we continue to experience unseasonably dry and windy conditions over the landscape, the U.S. Forest Service asks for your help in exercising the highest level of caution in all outdoor activities. Please adhere to all fire restrictions on public lands and safe fire practices in those designated, developed recreations sites where campfires are allowed. Hot vehicle exhaust systems, camp stoves, shooting activities and smoking are all potential sources of fires often forgotten. Visitors are encouraged to pay extra attention when recreating outdoors. Please help protect your National Forests as we make our way through this period of dry conditions and abnormally high fire danger.
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