Firefighters continue to patrol and secure containment lines on the Kinky Creek Fire as the incident remains 880 acres and 86% contained. Crews are currently focused on the remaining section of uncontained line located within a steep and hazardous boulder field. The combination of difficult terrain, limited access, and significant safety hazards has made this area particularly challenging. Firefighters continue to make steady progress while maintaining a strong focus on safety.

The progress achieved on the Kinky Creek Fire is a direct result of the dedication and professionalism of firefighters who have worked through changing weather, steep and rugged terrain, remote wilderness conditions, and hazardous fire-weakened trees. Their commitment to safety and operational excellence has significantly reduced fire potential and positioned the incident for a successful transition to local management.

As suppression objectives continue to be met, Idaho Team 1 Incident Management Team has begun the transition process to a local Type 4 organization. Transition activities are underway today, with command of the fire expected to be transferred to the local organization on Wednesday evening.

As part of the transition and right-sizing of the incident, a Wildfire Module and a Type 2 Initial Attack hand crew will assume responsibility for the fire as resources assigned with Idaho Team 1 complete their rotations and are released from the incident. Remaining resources will continue supporting patrol, mop-up, and containment line security objectives into the coming weeks.

Weather conditions remain generally favorable for firefighting operations; however, warmer temperatures, low relative humidity, and afternoon winds may continue to produce visible smoke from interior pockets of heat within the fire perimeter. These conditions are expected and do not indicate a loss of containment.

Forest trail and area closures remain in effect to protect public and firefighter safety. The public is asked to avoid Kinky Creek Road; Kinky Creek and Clear Creek trails; and the Brewster, Lunch, and Chateau Lake areas while suppression activities continue.

The Kinky Creek Fire is located west of Darwin Ranch, near Upper Gros Ventre Falls in the Gros Ventre Wilderness on the Jackson Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.