Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service- Bridger-Teton National Forest

The Horse Fire in the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Sublette County has surpassed 1,850 acres as of this past weekend according to forest officials. 

The fire is currently considered to be 11-percent contained with four Type-1 Hot Shot Crews, three Type 2 IA Crews and two Type 3 Engines, one Type 6 Engine as well as several aerial vehicles  in the form of helicopters. 

Officials stated that dense Timber stands with scattered meadows  have been challenging for the crews and that fuel sources have contributed to erratic fire behavior. News from their office also stated that the lack of resources has made direct line construction difficult.  Erratic winds are also being cited as part of the many challenges of the fire with the forecast calling for breezy conditions and occasional gusts of 15 miles per hour in the afternoons. 

Currently forest officials have elevated the fire dangers fating to “Moderate” for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge. Warmer and windy conditions are expected to dry out vegetation in the coming days. 

Current road closures include: Starting at Forest Road 10389 (Horse Creek Road), south along the Forest Boundary to Trial 2080 (Maki Creek) to Forest Road 10653 (Nylander Road), and northwest along Forest Road 10125 to Lincoln County Sublette County line to trail 2053 (North Horse Creek Trail) and east to Horse Creek Road. Forest Service Trial 2080 (Maki Creek Trail) and FS Roads 10653 and 10125 are open.

These closures are considered to be in effect until July 30.