Day 13-Thursday, September 20
Fire is now at 84% containment, and there are just over 400 active personnel working towards getting this thing snuffed out. Last night “impromptu benefit” was held at the Snow King Ball Park, thanks to all who came out and supported these folks. Local band “Dreadlocks” entertained the crowd and a brief movie was shown about wild land fires and the lives of those who fight them and the tragedies that can occur. I’m sure the firefighter are especially thankful to those who donated!!!!!
Day 7-Friday, September 14
The evacuation advisory has been lifted for East Jackson and, for now, the town looks like it is safe. Continued mild weather should assist firefighters in their suppression efforts. This mornings update posted containment at 36% and total acres burned at 3,324 with nearly 600 personnel fighting the fire.
Day 6-Thurday, September 13
Burn out operations on the backside of Snow King looked as though they were successful yesterday afternoon. Fuels were eliminated as the burn moved from the North toward the current fire line. The winds yesterday began to push the fire further to the South toward the Game Creek area. Today should be similar to the last few days with afternoon gusts.
Day 5-Wednesday, September 12
It was a cold night last night and calm winds are sure to have assisted the firefighters. The cold air seems to have settled some smoke into the valley, but not as bad as a month ago when fires in Idaho obscured views of Tetons throughout the valley. Little fire activity could be observed from town last night in contrast to recent evening. They seem to be holding the ridge atop Cache Creek quite well, efforts have been concentrated there over the past few days. Winds are predicted to be much lighter today and coming from the NW. The danger for the town of Jackson seems to be lessening, which has many breathing a sigh of relief. As long as conditions remain steady the firefighters should be able to make some good progress today toward containing this beast over the next few days.
Day 4-Tuesday, September 11
According to InciWeb this morning the fire is now estimated to be 2500+ acres in size. Winds have been calmer throughout the day than in the past few. There seems to be fewer planes and helicopters flying over town, which leads me to believe that they are getting a bit of a handle on this thing.
Day 3-Monday, September 10
Video is of a flare up just outside of town at the top of the ridge above Cache Creek. Taken from Love Ridge condos.
Fire size now estimated to be 1500+ acres. Short spot of rain around 8:30am raises hopes.
Fire attempting to crest ridge 3pm 9-10-12
Strong winds quickly picked up throughout the morning and continued to drive the blaze to the Northeast. Evacuation advisory is issued for the East Jackson area. Smoke cleared from around town, providing clear view into Cache Creek. Crowning and small spot fires could be seen from east Jackson area. Mid afternoon the fire appeared to making a significant run at jumping the ridge about a quarter mile South of the top of the Ferrin’s trail. Planes and helicopters were aggressively fighting this area, and quickly gained the upper hand on the trouble spot. The cause of fire has yet to be released.By evening meeting residents are elated to learn that there is little chance that an evacuation will be set in motion. Crowning and small spot fires could be seen from town throughout the evening. Some small spot fires could be seen a significant way down the Southern ridge into the Cache Creek drainage when they flared up.
Day 2-Sunday, September 9
By Sunday morning the fire reportedly 750 acres in size, and no longer threatening any structures, evacuation order lifted. Residents of Game Creek area are advised to be ready to evacuate if necessary. Strong winds picked up in the late afternoon gusting to 30mph and drove the fire to the North and East. Trails in the greater Snow King area are closed. The fire significantly increased in size and large smoke plumes could be seen from town over the Snow King area. The fire neared the crest of Cache Creek. By midnight spot fires could be seen from town lower down into the Cache Creek drainage. Town of Jackson is up and running the fire is not affecting travel or business operations in the area.
Horsethief Fire Looking South from Snowking Summit 9-9-12
Day 1-Saturday, September 8
Fire started in the area of the Little Horse Thief Canyon subdivision South of Jackson. The fire started around 3pm and at this time the cause is unknown. Strong winds quickly fanned the flames and the fire grew rapidly. Deer and Elk Lanes were evacuated for a short time as the fire grew.
