Single Publication

Fish Creek Fire Update Wednesday, September 11, 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: 504 Total Personnel: 11 Hand Crews; 24 Engines; 17 Heavy Equipment; 3 Helicopters

KEY MESSAGES:
Air quality has improved with the incoming cold front. Smoke will continue to impact the Highway 26/287 corridor and the immediate area around the fire, including nearby communities and residents. Roadway visibility could be impacted by the smoke from the fire, so please 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. Residents are advised to monitor the situation, as there is still the possibility evacuations may once again be ordered if conditions worsen. The Forest Closures are still in place; residents are encouraged to contact the US Forest Service to plan access to their property through the Forest closures.

CURRENT STATUS:
Fire personnel are monitoring fire behavior for any potential threats to Highway 26 and other critical values. They continue to 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 fuel-break 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 Togwotee Lodge to ensure better fire protection from the Fish Creek Fire or future wildfires.

Structure protection work was conducted for the Wyoming Fish and Game cabin and outbuildings in the southern portion of the fire, leaving the buildings wrapped in fire resistant material. The Cottonwood Creek area continues to generate the largest fire growth and greatest fire behavior. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
Scattered showers and thunderstorms moved into the area this afternoon. Outflow winds from the thunderstorms were gusty and erratic. The peak day for rainfall, with rainfall amounts up to 0.5 inch expected, is Thursday. A cold front will make its way through the area, dropping temperatures for Thursday and Friday, with freezing temperatures possible both Thursday and Friday nights. The moderating weather conditions will reduce active fire behavior.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:
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 https://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.