Lightning Caused Fire Burning in the Bighorns

Fire officials with the Bighorn National Forest have responded to a ten-acre blaze that was detected Wednesday in the Bighorn Mountains. A news release from the Forest Service states that the lightning caused “Freeze Out Fire” on the Tongue Ranger District in the eastern Bighorns has moderate potential to spread in lodgepole pine and spruce mixed forest. The objective for fire managers is to keep the fire at the smallest size possible, while providing for public and firefighter safety. 

There are several unoccupied campers in the area that may be impacted. The fire near Freeze Out Point off Forest System Road (FSR) 201 has prompted officials to place a temporary closure order in the Freeze Out area.  FSR 149, 150, 168, 161, 201, 198, and other routes are affected.  The closure will begin on FSR 168 at the junction with FSR 149.

Two Bighorn National Forest engines have been assigned to the fire, along with a 10 person Initial Attack Module from New Jersey, Blacktooth Fire Module, two Type-Two hand crews, two helicopters, two single engine air tankers and an air attack platform.