Horsethief Canyon Fire

Size:  3,373 acres
Percent Contained:  84
Resources:  10 Crews; 3 Helicopters; 18 Engines, 1 Dozer
Total Personnel:  417
Cost to Date:  $7.6 million

Incident Commander Chris Ourada expects a “rapid ramp down” of resources and firefighting efforts on the Horsethief Canyon fire.  The expectation comes from the quality of work that has been achieved this week. With favorable weather conditions persisting, firefighters have secured existing containment lines and made significant progress into the steeper and more rugged terrain. Forest Service Agency Representative Dale Deiter thanked fire personnel this morning stating, “Knowing that terrain, seeing the work that has been done, and with the safety record you have, is a testament to your abilities and professionalism. Thank you all.”

Today, crews will continue to secure the existing lines and develop containment as the access and terrain permits. Rehabilitation actions will also begin to restore the impacts of the suppression efforts in the fire area. In the Game Creek and Porcupine Creek subdivisions, structure protection measures will start to be broken down and back-hauled as the threat to structures has been greatly reduced. Full containment is not expected until early next week.

The retardant mixing station at the Elk Refuge will be leaving today. Until the helibase relocates, residents and visitors are reminded that the entry section of the Elk Refuge Road is still closed to all pedestrians and bicyclists from 8 am to 8 pm to ensure safety during the helicopter operations. Vehicles are allowed through but not permitted to stop within this section of road.

Several trails within the area closure have been reopened by the Bridger-Teton National Forest, including:  Snow King Mountain trail to the top of Cougar Lift, Sink or Swim Trail from Snow King Resort to Josie’s Ridge, KC Trail, Josie’s Ridge trail up to 7200’ elevation, and access trails between Snow King Resort and Josie’s Ridge, including Shade Monkey, Wildlife Lane trailhead access and Flat Creek trailhead access. Users are reminded that closure orders are posted for reference, as a large area does remain closed for the protection of firefighters as well as the public.

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