Single Publication

Northern Rockies Team 1, Incident Commander Brent Olson

Location:  7 miles SW of Togwotee Pass

Start Date: Friday, August 16, 2024

Cause: Lightning

Size: 11,420 acres

Percent complete:  28%

Resources: 486 Total Personnel: 10 Hand Crews; 13 Engines; 2 Dozers; 5 Heavy Equipment; 5 Helicopters 

Key Messages:

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been established over the fire area. This allows for firefighting aircraft to safely work over the fire area. Federal, state, and local wildland fire management agencies and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) urge members of the public not to fly “Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)” or drones over the Fish Creek Fire. Unauthorized drone flights pose serious risks to firefighter and public safety and the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If you fly, WE CAN’T!

The “percent complete” figure associated with this incident refers to the degree to which the confine/point protection strategic actions have been accomplished. Confine is a wildfire response strategy of restricting a wildfire to a defined area, primarily using natural barriers that are expected to restrict the spread of the wildfire under the prevailing and forecasted weather conditions. Point protection may include the installation of pumps, sprinkler systems, vegetative fuels reduction, and other measures to protect identified values-at-risk. 

Current Status:

On the northeast side of the fire crews completed the indirect control line located from Highway 26 south to Pilot Knob and the Moccasin Basin Trailhead. Farther to the east, work continued along the Deception Road to construct a shaded fuels break, which means crews and equipment are clearing out ground vegetation and trees are thinned to construct an indirect control line. North of the fire, crews continued to work on the Holmes Cave Trail and along the Flagstaff Road to improve and strengthen both as indirect control lines. Structure protection crews continued to test and improve the pumps, hose, and sprinklers set up in the Brooks, Pinnacle and Breccia areas. A second structure group started working on structure protection assessments in the Highway 26 corridor. 

Warmer and dryer conditions were experienced over the fire area yesterday and are predicted to continue today. Firefighters will continue to work on indirect control lines using the Holmes Creek Trail, Deception Road, and Spread Creek tying into Flagstaff Road. Already prepared indirect control lines will be improved and strengthened as needed. Structure protection assessments and efforts will continue along the Highway 26 corridor.

Weather and Fire Behavior: 

A dry cold front will move across the area this morning creating critical fire weather conditions this afternoon and evening with gusty winds and low relative humidity values. Winds will start off out of the southwest, then become stronger while switching to out of the west around 1200. Wind gusts over 30 mph are likely, especially from 1200 to 1500. A gradual decrease in wind is expected after 1800. Warm and dry conditions will continue through at least Sunday.

Expect moderate fire behavior in pockets of timber exposed to high solar radiation and wind. Surface fire in the heavy fuels, single tree and or group tree torching along with the potential of short crown runs may be observed. If torching occurs near the fire edge, expect downwind spotting up to ¼ mile. Poor relative humidity recoveries overnight, increased morning winds along with a light surface inversion will allow fire behavior to increase earlier in the morning, peak around 6:00 pm, before moderating after dark.

Air Quality and Smoke:

Air quality and 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 area remain in the Level 2 Evacuation notice. A Level 2 Evacuation means “Be Set” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment's notice. 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.