Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 2, Incident Commander Scott Schuster

Location:  7 miles SW of Togwotee Pass

Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Size: 23,911 acres

Percent complete:  69%

Resources: 460 Total Personnel: 7 Hand Crews; 20 Engines; 20 Heavy Equipment; 4 Helicopters 

KEY MESSAGES:

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a RED FLAG WARNING for the fire area from noon until 8:00 p.m. today.   A red flag warning indicates that conditions are conducive for wildland fire growth and rapid spread. 

As of Sunday evening, U.S. Highway 26/287 is open for free-flowing traffic in both directions.  Since this remains a high priority area, there will be a continued large presence of fire personnel and fire vehicles in that corridor and the maximum speed has been reduced to 45 mph.  For everyone’s safety, we ask all motorists to please slow down, stay alert and proceed with caution through the fire area.

CURRENT STATUS:

The western edge of the fire is burning towards and into some meadows which is slowing the growth of the fire on that side. On other sections of the fire perimeter, the fire is burning into the footprint of prior fires where there is less fuel, which is also limiting the growth of the fire in those areas.  The most active part of the fire is in the Cottonwood Creek area.  The fire is burning in standing, beetle-killed conifers and downed, dry trees and logs.  This active fire behavior is creating the large columns of smoke that can be viewed from miles away. 

Overnight, resources monitored the fire activity and patrolled the Highway 26 corridor and the 537 road.  Today’s resources will further monitor and secure the Highway 26 corridor, and structure-protection resources will continue to test sprinkler systems and hose around the Brooks Lake Lodge and Pinnacle residences.  Air resources will monitor the fire activity particularly in the southern portion of the fire and provide bucket work and air support.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

The combination of warmer temperatures, lower humidities, and stronger winds have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a Red Flag Warning for today.   Those same conditions are expected to increase the amount of visible smoke and fire behavior, especially single tree torching and spot fires.   Wind gusts of 25 to 35 mph are expected throughout the afternoon and into the early evening hours.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:

Increased fire activity often correlates to an increase in smoke and a decrease in air quality. This is of special concern for older adults, individuals with respiratory issues and young children.  Residents should monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) for their specific area and take mitigating actions to reduce or limit their exposure to smokey air when the AQI is elevated.

Air quality alerts, current and predicted smoke conditions and helpful FAQ’s can be found on the AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov/.

CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:

The joint Closure Order issued by both the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests for the fire area, remains in effect. Please do not enter the closure area or use any Forest Roads that are closed. For specific details regarding this closure, please reference the Fish Creek Area, Roads, and Trails Closure Order (map) and the Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/btnf/alerts-notices.

Under the jurisdiction of Fremont County, the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive remain under a Level 3 Evacuation notice (Indicated by red blocks on the PIO Incident Map). A Level 3 Evacuation means “Go” to evacuate. Residents must remain evacuated until advised otherwise by Fremont County. See the alert notice on the Fremont County Fire Protection District Facebook page. 

The Teton County Division of Emergency Management utilizes a Ready, Set, Go system for evacuation messaging, visit their website for additional details at www.tetoncountywy.gov/1846/Ready-Set-GO.  (Indicated by green blocks on the PIO Incident Map.) They advise all residents to be in a “Ready” status by preparing for evacuations and becoming fire adapted.

US HWY 26/287 continues to experience smoke and sometimes limited visibility. Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is working closely with Fremont County Emergency Management and fire officials for the safety of motorists and firefighters. Drivers are encouraged to visit https://www.wyoroad.info/ prior to traveling on US HWY 26/287 for road status and information, or download the Wyoming 511 app at https://www.wyoroad.info/511/WY511Mobile.html to monitor for any changes due to fire activity.