The Fontenelle Fire is burning in Lincoln and Sublette County, Wyoming approximately 33-miles northwest of the community of LaBarge, Wyoming on the Kemmerer and Big Piney Ranger Districts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The LaBarge Creek road and the Thompson Pass Road (Snider Basin Road) have been closed. The fire is burning in heavy dead and down timber and being managed under the direction of the Bridger-Teton National Forest by a Type 2 Incident Management Team.

 

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Unknown
Date of Origin Sunday June 24th, 2012 approx. 04:00 PM
Location 33-mi northwest LaBarge, WY
Incident Commander Mike Wilde

Current Situation

Total Personnel 223
Size 22,826 acres
Fuels Involved Heavy dead and down timber.
Fire Behavior Fire behavior is extreme with running, torching and short duration crown fire. Spotting was significant at distances up to 1/2 mile.
Significant Events Area/road closures in effect; gas, oil and helium production shut down causing significant economic impact. The fire has made a 3 mile run in each of the past two days.

Outlook

Planned Actions Secure anchor points while taking actions to conitnue to protect oil and gas infrastructure. Crews will continue to implement structure protection in Middle Piney Housing, Snider Guard Station, Scaler Guard Station, Clear Creek Guard Station, communications site and helium production plants. Fire fighters will continue to gather field intelligence as condtions permit.
Growth Potential High
Terrain Difficulty High
Remarks Transition from IC Type 3 command to Great Basin Type 2 Team 5 (Wilde)occurred at 0600 on 6/28. The Fontenelle Fire is burning on USFS, BLM, state and private land.

Current Weather

Wind Conditions 18 mph SW
Temperature 77 degrees
Humidity 10%