National forest charred by fire

JACKSON, Wyoming (CNN) -- A quickly expanding forest fire burned within 10 miles of the popular resort town of Jackson, Wyoming, Monday morning but appeared to pose no immediate to the town, a forestry spokesman said.

The fire, burning 8 to 10 miles southwest of Jackson, has charred 150 acres since its start on Sunday.

"The fire is quite a distance from Jackson," said Jay Anderson, a spokesman for the Bridger-Teton National Forest. "The fire is moving in a direction that does not appear to threaten Jackson Hole."

The number of firefighters being assigned to the blaze was being increased.

On Sunday, 24 firefighters -- including eight smoke jumpers and the crews for two engine units and four helicopters -- were battling the flames.

That number will greatly expand throughout Monday, Anderson said, "Twenty, nine-person hand crews have been ordered, so another 180 people will be working the lines, in addition to the 24 already involved."

Some residential areas scattered through the area could be affected by the fire. The Jackson-Teton County fire department has notified residents to be prepared for evacuation if it becomes necessary, Anderson said. He estimated there were 40 to 50 homes in the area immediately around the fire.

A number of campers have been evacuated from the fire zone, but Anderson didn't know how many.