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: 25,009 acres

Percent complete:  69%

Resources: 415 Total Personnel: 9 Hand Crews; 10 Engines; 17 Heavy Equipment; 1 Type 3 Helicopter  

KEY MESSAGES:
The Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests have updated the Closure Order for the area of the fire. Additional information regarding the current closure order can be found in the Forest websites.

Creeping, smoldering, and backing behavior of the Fish Creek Fire will continue with a minimal potential for single tree torching.

Watch for heavy equipment traveling in the Highway 26/287 corridor that could significantly slow travel. Please slow down and use caution when driving in this area.

CURRENT STATUS:
Crews started the suppression repair on Continental Divide Trail while another group of firefighters removed all the hoses and related equipment that are no longer necessary in that area.

Yesterday, firefighters finished the work of repairing some impacts and minimize potential soil erosion resulting from the fire suppression activities along Deception Road from Highway 26 to Brooks Lake Lodge campground. Weather conditions allowed overnight flights through the fire area for reconnaissance to update the fire acres and spread. This data is utilized to make operational decisions for the fire. Firefighters are continuing fuels mitigation actions take place around the Togwotee Lodge. This action will reduce the ability of the fuels to feed the fire and will improve defensible space for values at risk (including the Highway 26 corridor, Brooks Lake, Pinnacle and Breccia Drive) from the Fish Creek Fire, or future wildfires.

Numerous hazards remain in the fire, for example, dead trees where roots could have been weakened by fire along with steep slopes that no longer have small vegetation holding soil in place. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Across the fire zone, mostly sunny skies and warmer temperatures are expected today with isolated showers in the afternoon. Today will be dryer than the last two days, with a high-pressure system and mostly cloudy. A slight chance for showers and thunderstorms returns to western Wyoming on Monday.  The observed fire behavior is expected to be creeping and smoldering, with isolated tree torching in the interior of the fire.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:
Although air quality has improved, unhealthy air quality is possible in some locations. For up-to-date air quality alerts, current and predicted smoke conditions and ways to mitigate poor air quality, check out 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 map at Fish Creek Area, Roads, and Trails Closure Order (map) and the Forest closure order fseprd1204904.pdf (usda.gov).

Under the jurisdiction of Fremont County, the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive remain at Level 2 “Set” Status (indicated by yellow blocks on the PIO Incident Map). A Level 2 “Set” Status means residents should be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice.  If the Level 2 Set notice changes back to a Level 3 “Go” notice, residents must evacuate 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.  All residents are encouraged to sign up for Teton County, Wyoming's free alert and warning service, Teton WY Alerts at: Teton_WY Alerts - Sign Up (everbridge.net).

US HWY 26/287 is open for free-flowing traffic.  Motorists may still experience smoke and sometimes limited visibility. A 45-mph speed restriction remains in effect for the fire area. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert for fire personnel and fire vehicles and use caution when travelling through the area. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) continues to work closely with Fremont County Emergency Management, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office 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.