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: 22,107 acres
Percent complete: 69%
Resources: 454 Total Personnel: 8 Hand Crews; 22 Engines; 1 Dozer; 27 Heavy Equipment; 4 Helicopters

KEY MESSAGES:
U.S. Highway 26/287 will continue to remain open this weekend, but between MM 26 to MM 29.8 motorists will be escorted by a pilot vehicle during the hours 7:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. Travelers should plan on an additional 20-minute travel time due to this escort. Motorists are asked to please follow the pilot car and do not attempt to pass it and do not stop in this area. This escort helps provide for the safe travel of motorists as they drive through the area impacted by the fire and smoke while providing for the safety of our firefighters and fire vehicles. Outside of those specified hours, the highway will be open for free-flowing traffic but please slow down, watch for fire vehicles and heavy equipment, and proceed with caution through the entire fire area.

CURRENT STATUS:
Night operations continued to monitor the fire activity, support structure protection operations, and patrol for spot fires, but some of their engagement was limited due to the dense smoke, which at times, reduced visibility to a few feet.

The majority of the daytime resources continued their work in the northeast corner of the fire, protecting the identified values at risk including the Highway 26 corridor, and the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle and Breccia Drives. Those three specific areas remain in a Level 3 evacuation status (Designated by red blocks on the PIO Incident Map). 

Today, resources will be looking for opportunities to improve the control lines along the Holmes Cave and Continental Divide Trails. Mechanical and hand prep work will continue on Deception Road from Highway 26 north to Brooks Lake Lodge and along the 30100-road network in the south fork of Spread Creek. The resources protecting the structures will also continue to conduct daily operations and sprinkler tests at Brooks Lake Lodge and Pinnacle.

On Saturday, much of the Jackson area and points south were able to clearly see a large smoke column which emanated from the Cottonwood area. This area is burning towards the established fuel breaks and accounts for most of the increase in acres burned. The fuels in this area are mixed conifers with a large standing dead component. With the continuing drying trend, the public should expect to see a significant smoke column coming from this portion of the fire for at least the next few days.


Weather and Fire Behavior:
The continuing warming trend combined with receptive dry fuels will increase the amount of visible smoke and fire behavior, including single tree torching and spot fires. Today, relative humidity is expected to drop into the mid-teens and winds will continue to be from the west, with occasional stronger gusts to nearly 20 mph. There is a small chance (<20%) of precipitation today. Resources are monitoring the potential for a significant wind event to enter the region on Monday.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:
Even if a wildfire is not directly threatening your community, smoke from nearby wildfires can disrupt your normal activities, compromise your travel routes and generally cause a level of stress that can impact your health. To reduce the impacts of smoke exposure, pay attention to the Air Quality Index (AQI) and try and schedule your outdoor activities when the index is low. Monitor when the AQI is predicted to be higher and stay indoors and when possible, keep your windows and doors closed.

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.