Horse Fire Bridger-Teton National Forest

Status: Active. Spotting. Torching. 

Size: 1,857 acres; 11 percent containment

Objectives for the Fire: Full suppression of the fire.

Resources: 4 - Type 1 Hot Shot Crews, 3 - Type 2 IA Crews, 2 - Type 3 Engines, 1 – Type 6 Engine,

1 - Type 1 Helicopter, 1 - Type 2 Helicopter, 1 - Type 3 Helicopter, 1 - Water Tender, 2 - Aerial Apparatus (UAS)

Personnel: 223

Today’s Strategy: To safely and effectively manage the north side of the fire, specialized crews including Type 1 Interagency Hotshot Crews (IHCs) and Fire Use Modules already assigned to the incident, will assess possible firing operations and continue to develop containment lines. Weather permitting, these firing operations will help crews initiate a favorable control line and keep the fire north of South Horse Creek area. 

However, dense timber stands with scattered meadows have been a challenge for crews.  Fuel sources have contributed to erratic fire behavior and lack of resources has made direct line construction difficult.  The erratic winds have limited opportunities for firing operations during shifts in past days. These wind changes have also made holding current control lines difficult, as fire growth must be anticipated in all directions.

Aircraft support will play a crucial role in today’s efforts by assisting with locating areas of strategic burning and line construction. Additionally, infrared flights (IR) continue working to assist crews in locating areas where the fire has produced hot spots outside of control areas. 

Forecast:  Winds are expected to remain light to moderate, generally 5–10 mph, with occasional gusts up to 15 mph in the afternoon. Humidity levels will likely drop to around 15–20%, which is quite dry and could contribute to active fire behavior. Temperatures are forecast to reach the mid-70s°F, with sunny skies and low chances of precipitation.

Fire Danger: Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to “moderate” for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. The potential for fire activity has increased due to drying of vegetation combined with warmer and windier conditions.

Closures: A Horse Fire Area Road and Trail Closure is enacted from 7 a.m. on 6/16 through July 31 at 6 a.m. for public and firefighter health and safety during the Horse Fire, unless rescinded. 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.

The described roads and trails include the following national forest system roads and trails located within and bordering the described area:

1. Forest Road 10341, 10346, 10389 (Horse Creek Road).

2. Portions of national forest system (NFS) trail numbers: 2053 (North Horse Creek), 2056 (Corlos Creek), 2047 (Old Indian),

3. NFS Trail Nos. 2082 (South Horse Creek), 2057 (Prospect Mountain)

Restrictions:A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place over the fire.  Drones are prohibited from being flown anywhere near the fire area. Drones flying on the fire 6/14/25, halted aerial firefighting efforts for safety. When unauthorized drones enter wildfire airspace, firefighting aircraft are often grounded to prevent midair collisions. If you fly. We can’t. Drones are illegal in wildfire airspace.

Caution: Even during moderate fire activity, conditions can change rapidly. Flare-ups may occur due to shifts in wind patterns or an increase in dry fuels, leading to unexpected road hazards or intensified smoke. Fire activity may result in air quality changes.  To check air quality in the area, visit: https://fire.airnow.gov

Visit https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/wybtf-horse-fire for more information and related links.