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: 24,904
Percent complete:  69%
Resources: 504 Total Personnel: 11 Hand Crews; 24 Engines; 17 Heavy Equipment; 3 Helicopters 

KEY MESSAGES:

Smoke continues to impact not only the immediate area around the fire but also nearby communities and residents.  There will be unhealthy air quality in some locations, especially in low-lying drainages, and roadway visibility could be impacted by the smoke from the fire.  Individuals sensitive to higher Air Quality Indexes (AQI) should avoid physical activities outdoors or at least postpone those actions until the air quality improves.

CURRENT STATUS:

Resources overnight supported structure protection operations along the Highway 26/287 corridor.

Today personnel will monitor fire behavior for any potential threats to Highway 26 and other critical values and execute mechanical and hand clean-up work along Deception Road from Highway 26 to Brooks Lake Lodge campground.  The moderating weather and fire behavior will allow resources to begin shaded fuelbreak work on the 2-mile stretch of the Upper Flagstaff Road.  This work will include clearing the understory vegetation and smaller trees for 100’ on each side of the road.  Firewise work has begun around the Towgotee Lodge.

Structure protection work will continue for the Wyoming Fish and Game cabin and outbuildings in the southern portion of the fire.  The Cottonwood Creek area continues to generate the largest fire growth and greatest fire behavior on this incident.   

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Yesterday’s conditions on the fire did meet the minimum criteria for the Red Flag Warning, with wind gusts that met or exceeded 25-30 mph.  Today, there is a slight chance of an afternoon shower, and conditions will be cloudier and slightly cooler than recent days. This begins a change in the weather pattern that will culminate in a cold front entering the region during the middle of the week.  The moderating weather conditions will reduce active fire behavior.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:

Air quality and dense smoke, continue to be a concern for both residents and visitors to the area around the Fish Creek Fire incident.  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 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 is open for free-flowing traffic, but 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.