Briefs

Courthouse construction

Construction work has begun again on the Sublette County Courthouse Complex. After being shut down by the state fire marshal's office for three weeks while that agency reviewed the building plans, new construction work was given the go-ahead and workers were back on site Monday morning, according to Sublette County Clerk Mary Lankford.

The work will be allowed to continue while the county's architect negotiates with the fire marshal's office in resolving conflicts and revising the building plans. Lankford said the county has a July 19 cut-off date to complete compliance with state requirements, or construction will once again come to a halt.

Cow Camp fire

A lightning-caused wildfire was discovered last Saturday afternoon in the Pocket Creek drainage of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, according to U.S. Forest Service officials.

The 350-acre Cow Camp Fire is located about 15 miles southeast of Boulder. Despite high winds on Saturday and Sunday, 36 firefighters were able to hold the fire to 350 acres of sub-alpine fir and spruce. By Tuesday, the crews were working on protecting a 12-foot-by-12-foot outfitter cabin located near the fire.

The federal agency received two more 20-person crews Monday evening to help with suppression efforts. These 40 firefighters were based in a Washington home unit altitude of roughly 4,000 feet, but the altitude of the Cow Camp fire is around 9,600 feet. A Forest Service press released noted that special attention would be paid to the firefighters' health and safety as they acclimate to the altitude change.

Crews were being supported by the interagency helicopter based out of the Jackson Hole Airport.

No roads were been closed due to this wildfire, but for safety reasons the public was asked to refrain from using the area.

The firefighting strategy Tuesday was to work on the southeast flank of the fire to prevent any possible movement towards Irish Canyon and Big Sandy Resort. The fire approached several wet meadows and streams, which has the crews estimating a possible containment of the fire in five days. The fire danger for the forest is still listed as moderate.

Fireworks

While shooting off fireworks falls under a general ban in Sublette County, several towns in the county will host their traditional fireworks displays. The Marbleton/Big Piney display is set to begin at dark-thirty, while the Pinedale Volunteer Fire Department will begin its display at 9:30. Watch the skies in Daniel, Boulder and LaBarge for even more fireworks fun.

Fire bans

The Bureau of Land Management is implementing fire restrictions starting at noon July Fourth in Sublette, Sweetwater, Uinta and Lincoln counties.

These are some restrictions that will be enforced by the Fire Prevention Order: