Rain 'moderates' Kinky Creek Fire

JACKSON (WNE) — Mother Nature has provided a bit of relief as the Kinky Creek Fire burns in the Gros Ventre Wilderness.

“The rain has moderated the fire behavior and slowed down the fire’s progression,” said CJ Adams, a spokesperson for the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The fire is burning about 3 miles west of the Darwin Ranch and was about 770 acres as of press time Thursday, according to the Watch Duty app. Firefighters have not yet established any containment.

There are about 11 guests, 14 staff and several horses and other livestock at the ranch, Teton County Emergency Management Coordinator Rich Ochs told county commissioners at a Monday morning meeting. Four more guests were set to arrive Thursday, Ochs said, though they may change their plans.

Emergency managers had advised Darwin Ranch staff and guests to prepare for a possible evacuation.

County commissioners called a meeting Monday to formally delegate authority to suppress the blaze. Idaho Team 1, a type 3 incident management team, took command of the fire Thursday morning.

“If the forecasted weather for the weekend comes to fruition, it should allow resources access to portions of the fire and aid in suppression efforts,” Adams said.

This story was published on June 26, 2026. 

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