Pack Trail Fire sees minimal activity after precip, not out of woods yet

JACKSON, Wyo. — According to an Oct. 18 update from Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), precipitation has greatly moderated the Pack Trail Fire behavior.

Since yesterday , Oct. 17, fire activity has been minimal and the fire has remained at 89,186 acres, although BTNF reports that large diameter dead and down logs and stumps continue to smolder within the interior of the fire.

Despite the low fire activity, Teton Interagency Fire Managers are maintaining the Very High Fire Danger Rating for Grand Teton National Park, the BTNF, the Shoshone National Forest and the National Elk Refuge.

"This precipitation was not a fire season ending event," BTNF writes in its update. "Due to wind, fuels will begin to rapidly dry out when the snow melts. Any spark can ignite fire which can grow rapidly into a major incident."

Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fires or other possible ignition sources, and to never leave campfires unattended. Someone should always be watching campfires or extinguish them completely before leaving. BTNF advises drowning the fire with water, stirring the ashes and feeling with the back of a hand to confirm a fire is cool.

Due to the precipitation and hazards associated with driving on icy and muddy roads, BTNF also confirms most crews will stay at camp today to complete preventative maintenance on equipment. Crews with utility task vehicles (UTVs) will patrol the fire area, mopping up around the perimeter and focusing on areas with fine fuels such as meadows and sagebrush.