Single Publication

Fish Creek Fire Update: Thursday, September 12, 2024
Northern Rockies Team 2, Incident Commander Scott Schuster

Location:  7 miles SW of Togwotee Pass

Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Size: 24,904

Percent complete:  69%

Resources: 465 Total Personnel: 9 Hand Crews; 23 Engines; 11 Heavy Equipment; 3 Helicopters 

KEY MESSAGES:

The rain that has fallen, and the higher humidity levels, has resulted in minimal fire activity yesterday.  Minimal fire activity is expected again today and tomorrow with the rain still in the forecast.  Air quality has improved with the rain that has fallen and the incoming cold front.  Smoke will continue to impact the Highway 26/287 corridor and the immediate area around the fire.  Roadway visibility may be impacted by the smoke from the fire; please slow down and use caution when driving Highway 26/287.

Fremont County has decreased the “GO – Level 3” Evacuation Order to the “SET – Level 2” Notice for the Brooks Lake, Pinnacle, and Breccia areas. These areas are still within Forest closures, so access to Brooks Lake, Pinnacle, and Breccia areas will be reevaluated next week.  Residents are advised to monitor the situation, as there is still the possibility evacuations may once again be ordered if conditions worsen.

CURRENT STATUS:

Fire monitoring continues for any potential threats to Highway 26 and other critical values.  Mechanical and hand clean-up work along Deception Road from Highway 26 to Brooks Lake Lodge campground is continuing.  The moderating weather and minimal fire behavior has allowed resources to begin work on a shaded fuel-break along a 2-mile stretch of the Upper Flagstaff Road. This work includes clearing the understory vegetation and smaller trees for 50’ to 100’ on each side of the road. Firewise work is taking place around the Togwotee Lodge to ensure better fire protection from the Fish Creek Fire or future wildfires and is expected to continue through the beginning of next week. The Cottonwood Creek area continues to generate the greatest fire behavior.   

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Scattered showers and thunderstorms will continue today.  Outflow winds from the thunderstorms can be gusty and erratic.  Rainfall totals of up to 0.5 inch are predicted.  A cold front will make its way through the area today, dropping the temperatures through Friday.  High temperatures will be in the 40s during the day today, and freezing temperatures are possible tonight and tomorrow night.  The moderating weather conditions will reduce active fire behavior.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:

Although air quality has improved, unhealthy air quality is possible in locations, especially in low-lying drainages and along the Highway 26/287 corridor.  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 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 have decreased to Level 2 “Set” Notice (indicated by yellow blocks on the PIO Incident Map). A Level 2 “Set” Notice 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.