A lightning-caused wildfire burning near Sagebrush Flat in the Bridger-Teton National Forest had grown to an estimated 150 acres as of Wednesday, May 13th, with firefighters working to establish containment amid challenging conditions.
The Spread Creek Fire ignited at the top of Spread Creek in the Blackrock Ranger District and spread aggressively through timber throughout the afternoon, with high winds driving torching and spotting behavior that complicated early suppression efforts.
Teton Interagency Fire resources mobilized quickly. The Rescue 22 helicopter, a wildland fire module, two Type 3 engines, and a 10-person module from Teton Helitack were among the first responders on scene. Three interagency hotshot crews and two initial attack crews are scheduled to arrive Wednesday, with additional resources being ordered to bolster suppression efforts.
The wildfire spotted across Flagstaff Road during the afternoon, and the public is asked to stay away from that road and the surrounding fire area to allow crews to operate safely.
Conditions shifted slightly in firefighters’ favor in the evening when rain moved through and helped knock down flames in the sage and grass. Crews moved quickly to take advantage of the change, engaging the fire and working to establish an anchor point, a secure and strategic location from which fireline construction can begin.
The situation remained dynamic as of the latest update Wednesday night. Officials have not released a containment estimate.
