Cathedral Group Fire in Grand Teton NP

July 14, 2010
10-48
Teton interagency firefighters responded to several reports of a fire late yesterday afternoon, July 13, in Grand Teton National Park. The Cathedral Group Fire—which began about 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday—is currently 12 acres in size and burning in a mixed conifer forest about a quarter mile north of the Cathedral Group turnout on the Jenny Lake scenic loop road. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Anyone who may have been in the vicinity of an off-trail area called Boulder City, and who can provide information about this fire, is requested to phone the Teton interagency fire-reporting line at 307.739.3630.

Firefighters responded to the Cathedral Group Fire on Tuesday evening and used both a fire engine and crew, and a contract helicopter based out of Swan Valley, Idaho with the Caribou-Targhee National Forest to conduct suppression efforts during the evening hours. Yesterday’s weather in Jackson Hole included 50 mph wind gusts and 9% relative humidity. Today, two fire engines, one hand crew, and the Swan Valley helicopter will continue suppression activities.

The Cathedral Group Fire is burning in an area flanked by a boulder ridge to its eastern side, a sagebrush meadow on the south, and a mixed lodgepole pine and subalpine fir forest to the north and west. The fire lies just south of, and relatively close to, the Bearpaw Bay Fire of 2009.

No trails or backcountry campsites have been closed at this time; however the portage of boats from String Lake to Leigh Lake will be temporarily suspended for safety considerations; the Cathedral Group turnout is also closed.

The current fire danger rating is moderate. With the arrival of the fire season, area residents and visitors are requested to report any fire or smoke by calling 307.739.3630. For additional fire information, please visit www.tetonfires.com.