EIIFC FIRE
UPDATE - Increased Fire Activity on Tin Cup Fire
Idaho
Falls, ID - Fire activity has increased on the Tin Cup Fire located
approximately eight miles northwest of Freedom, Wyoming on the Soda Springs
Ranger District. The lightning-caused fire was reported August 29, 2016 and is
highly visible from Highway 34. Forest Officials ask individuals refrain from
calling dispatch to report this wildfire.
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| Tin Cup Fire |
The
fire is burning along the ridgeline between Jack Knife Creek and Marshall
Canyon, spreading slowly to the southeast. A local Type 3 Incident Management
Team is carefully monitoring this fire and preparing fuels in case a more
aggressive suppression strategy is needed. The Caribou-Targhee National Forest
(CTNF) is allowing this fire to play its historic role in the forest ecosystem.
Wildfires provide a natural disturbance event that encourages and supports
aspen rejuvenation. Aspen stand are a vital and necessary component for healthy
wildlife habitat.
This
does not mean the fire is burning without human intervention; rather, fire resources
are available to take action on fire spread at predetermined management action
points. As the fire shows more or less
activity, the staffing on the incident will grow or shrink accordingly. Advanced modeling programs are used to
predict fire spread and the probability of that outcome. Firefighters use these
models to determine where pre-treatment would be most beneficial and effective.
 |
| Tin Cup Fire |
Engines
and handcrews are hard at work conducting fuels abatement work along power
lines located near the bottom of the drainage and near the Highway. Crews are
wrapping poles with a fire protective wrap and assessing private properties
near the fire area. Reducing fuels will decrease fire spread and intensity
should the fire progress that direction. In addition to firefighters patrolling
the vicinity to monitor fire behavior, a remote camera was placed on a ridge
overlooking the fire area. The camera
allows fire managers to monitor fire activity at any time during daylight hours
and monitor its progress.
The
Tin Cup Fire is likely to burn until a major precipitation event occurs or
until it snows. CTNF has posted a caution to forest visitors on Forest Trail
#463, Marshall Canyon. Fire managers urge individuals to use caution and stay
out of the area due to fire hazards.
Wildfire
updates and fire prevention tips are available on www.IdahoFireInfo.com. One less spark means
one less Idaho wildfire.