Fire Homes Near Jackson Hole, Wyo.

J A C K S O N, Wyo., July 26 -- Homeowners scurried to retrieve more belongings today as winds threatened to push a forest fire burning on the outskirts of the resort area of Jackson Hole toward their mountain homes.

About 400 people have been forced out of their homes because ofthe fire burning within a mile in the surrounding bone-dry forest.

They were allowed to go home for three hours today.Officials said weather was ripe for the fire to intensify and makeanother run today. Homes in the booming area typicallysell for $500,000 and up.

"We are under a red flag warning … meaning there's a dangerof winds increasing and the temperature so high and relativehumidity low, which is a bad combination," said fire spokeswomanMarylee Peterson. "We've called in extra crews."

Glimmer of Hope

Out on the fire lines, firefighters were trying to hold the fireon a ridge overlooking a number of homes. The ridge has fewertrees, giving firefighters a glimmer of hope.

"They're feeling a little more optimistic," fire spokesman JoeColwell said. "They have some line in there and plus it's lighterfuel, and they're hoping that that will hold it up."

Residents had been warned for days to expect a quick evacuation,but the fire's rapid shift caught many off guard for Wednesday'sevacuation.

"Basically, if it's something that can be bought, likefurniture, forget it. That's why you pay insurance," said RussellRainey, who hauled out a pickup load of family pictures, clothingand other personal items today.

No Cause Determined

The Forest Service marshaled about 1,000 firefighters to fightthe blaze that has burned some 2,500 acres since it began in acamping area Sunday. No cause has been determined.

It was only 10 percent contained and no rain is forecast untilSaturday. No structures have been damaged and no one has beeninjured.

The town of Jackson, with the Snake River between it and thefire, was not threatened, authorities said, but hundreds of homeswere. About 150 were vacated as authorities went door-to-door,barking out orders to leave.