Jackson, WY – A fast-moving wildfire that began on private land on Saturday afternoon has forced the closure and evacuation of Snow King ski area above the town of Jackson.
Fire officials have indicated that the Little Horsethief fire, which has burned approximately 1,500 acres, is only 15 percent contained as of Sunday night. Firefighters have identified their primary objectives to include the protection of structures and infrastructure, the protection of South Highway 89, and Snow King ski area.
No injuries have been reported from the blaze, although firefighters lost one engine from Jackson Hole Fire/EMS to the flames on Saturday evening. A Type 2 Incident Command Team was scheduled to take control of the fire early this morning.
In response to the fire, officials with the Bridger-Teton National Forest have closed a number of areas, including all trails in the Snow King area. Additionally, summer chairlift operations at Snow King have also been closed. Highway 89 entering the town of Jackson from the south remains open.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.