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: 17,912 acres

Percent complete:  54%

Resources: 433 Total Personnel: 7 Hand Crews; 15 Engines; 1 Dozer; 18 Heavy Equipment; 5 Helicopters 

KEY MESSAGES:

Fremont County Emergency Management issued a Level 3 “Go” Evacuation for Brooks Lake, Pinnacle, and Breccia Drives yesterday afternoon due to spot fires being detected northeast of Highway 26. All property owners were asked to evacuate the area. Fire crews immediately responded to suppress the spot fires in multiple locations and have continued working throughout the night where safe to do so. 

The fire size was mapped overnight by an infrared camera-equipped aircraft.  The results of this mapping mission reflected that the fire has increased in size by 2,406 acres over the last two days. 

The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) temporarily closed U.S. Highway 26 for public and firefighter safety based on the recommendation of the Incident Management Team. The fire has reached the highway east Togwotee Pass and remains very active. Firefighters are working along the highway in several locations while thick smoke blankets the roadway. This creates a dangerous driving environment for the public and firefighter resources. For firefighter and public safety, we ask for your patience during this time when the fire has directly impacted Highway 26. Currently, there is no estimated time for when the highway might reopen. 

CURRENT STATUS:

Yesterday, the northeast side of the fire remained very active throughout the day and winds caused numerous spot fires northeast of Highway 26. The largest spot fire detected was 1/10th of an acre.  Firefighting resources suppressed these spot fires supported by helicopter water bucket drops. Throughout the day and overnight resources continued to find and suppress smaller spot fires throughout the afternoon and into the evening. Structure protection crews tested the pumps, hose and sprinklers and patrolled the area prepared to implement protection plans for the Brooks Lake Lodge and Pinnacle areas if needed. A full shift of night operations began last night to keep monitoring the fire activity and be ready to respond if fire threatens the critical values at risk identified around Brooks Lake, Pinnacle, and Breccia Drives. Firing operations used to slow or stop the advancing fire continued throughout the night along Highway 26 east to the 357 Road and south to the Pilot Knob area. 

The west and north sides of the fire that had been active received some light amounts of rainfall which subdued fire activity for only a brief period. Crews and equipment continued to work on the Flagstaff Road indirect control line on the north side. The south side of the fire continue to be monitored and has remained secure.   

Today, crews will continue to secure the fire edge along the Highway 26 corridor and along the east flank of the fire.  Firefighters will continue using firing operations if needed. Helicopter water bucket drops will be used where needed to cool down hot spots and respond to spot fires north of Highway 26. This area remains the operational priority because of several identified critical values at risk identified as a part of the confine/point protection strategy located in this area. Crews and equipment will continue to finish working on the Flagstaff Road as an indirect control line. Some hand crew and equipment work will begin on an indirect line located west of the fire area. Structure protection crews will patrol the Brooks Lake Lodge and Pinnacle areas and test the pumps, hose, and sprinklers to make sure they are ready if needed. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:

Today will be cooler behind yesterday’s cold front. A few showers and thunderstorms may develop in the area after 1200, though the bulk of this activity is expected to stay to the east of the fire. Outflow winds and lightning are possible with any storms that do develop. Otherwise, a shift to easterly winds is expected this evening. Warmer and drier conditions return on Thursday.  

Cooler temperatures and predicted higher minimum relative humidity will moderate fire behavior today. Firefighters are expecting mainly surface fire in the heavy dead and down fuels as well as single tree or group tree torching. Given the condition of the fuels; downwind spotting is likely from any torching trees. If spotting occurs, the probability of success is high to contain them quickly with aerial and ground resources.  

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:

Air quality, 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.