Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 2, Incident Commander Scott Shuster

Location:  7 miles SW of Togwotee Pass

Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Size: 19,952 acres

Percent complete:  69%

Resources: 427 Total Personnel: 8 Hand Crews; 21 Engines; 1 Dozer; 17 Heavy Equipment; 4 Helicopters 

KEY MESSAGES:
As of this morning, the Northern Rockies Team 2 has taken over operations on this incident and welcomes the opportunity to serve the public, residents, and visitors of this area.

U.S. Highway 26/287 will remain open this weekend, but motorists will continue to be escorted by a pilot vehicle from MM 26 to MM 29.8 (an area between Moran and Dubois) during the hours 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Motorists are asked to drive slowly and proceed with caution through this area due to fire vehicles, firefighters and the potential of smoke which could limit visibility around the roadway. Please do not stop your vehicles in this area.

CURRENT STATUS:
Fire crews continue to patrol for spot fires along Highway 26 and in the areas north and east of the highway, where there is the highest potential for additional spot fires.  Through a combination of firefighters and helicopter water bucket drop support, all detected spot fires have been controlled.

Identified values at risk continue to be the Highway 26 corridor, and the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle and Breccia Drives. The northeast corner of the fire continues to remain an operational priority of the suppression resources to protect the identified critical values at risk. Structure protection crews will patrol the Brooks Lake Lodge and Pinnacle areas and test the pumps, hose, and sprinklers to ensure their readiness, if needed.

Night operations are expected to continue for the next few days, monitoring any fire activity, patrolling for spot fires, and being ready to respond overnight if the fire threatens any of the critical values at risk.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: 
The warming trend will continue through today with temperatures increasing and relative humidity decreasing. Winds will continue to be from the west, with occasional stronger gusts. 

As fuels dry out, there will be a predicted increase in fire behavior including the potential for torching and spotting, especially on the northeast portion of the fire. Spotting distances have been observed up to 1 mile. 

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:
Air quality, smoke conditions and forecasts can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/.

Closures and Evacuations:
A joint Closure Order for the fire area has been issued by the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests for public and firefighter safety. Please do not enter the closure area or use the Forest Roads that are closed. The Fish Creek Area, Roads, and Trails Closure Order (map) has been established for public and firefighter safety in the fire area. Full details can also be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/btnf/alerts-notices.

Fremont County: Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive areas are currently under a Level 3 Evacuation notice. A Level 3 Evacuation means “Go” to evacuate. Residents must evacuate immediately. See the alert notice on the Fremont County Fire Protection District Facebook page. 

Teton County: The Teton County Division of Emergency Management utilizes a Ready, Set, Go www.tetoncountywy.gov/1846/Ready-Set-GO system for evacuation messaging. All residents should be in the 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.