Single Publication

Total Acres: 86,555         Confined: 62%     Total Personnel: 613     

PACK TRAIL FIRE

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Update
Fire Information Phone: 307-395-2351 | Email: 2024.Packtrail @firenet.gov

Total Acres: 86,555        Confined: 62%     Total Personnel: 613

Operations – Yesterday on the east side of the fire, ground crews continued to secure the 540 Road, continuing their mop-up operations along that feature.  On the south side, the Pack Trail Fire saw increased fire activity during the evening periods but crews supported by aviation were able to keep the fire north of the Union Pass road.  The fire continued to be active in the areas around Cowboy Camp, Strawberry Warming Hut, and Fish Creek Guard Station to various degrees. SSW winds and receptive fuels contributed to activity across the fire area. On the west flank, in the Gros Ventre River Basin, firefighters continue patrolling the Burnt Ridge area and use aircraft to slow the fire’s advance into the valley where appropriate. The structure protection group continued their work around values at risk in the valley.

Safety – Teton Interagency Fire managers are maintaining the  Very High Fire Danger Rating for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, the Shoshone National Forest , and the National Elk Refuge. Please use caution while driving these areas, especially on narrow secondary roads. Always expect to encounter fire vehicles and heavy equipment in and around the fire area. Check with WY-DOT for possible closures due to fire activity, especially if you are planning to travel on US-26 across the Continental Divide. Closures are not expected, but with active fire in the area checking status before travel is recommended.

Due to excessively dry fuels, any spark can ignite fire which can grow rapidly into a major incident. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fires or other possible ignition sources. Always build campfires away from dry grass, leaves, and overhanging branches to reduce the risk of spreading wildfire. Clear at least a 10-foot perimeter around your fire, removing any flammable material, and have enough water on hand to ensure your fire is dead out and cool to the touch before you go to sleep or leave the area. 

Remember that flying a personal drone over a fire area during a temporary flight restriction is illegal and can be an extremely dangerous threat to both our aviators and firefighters on the ground. “If you fly, we can’t.” 

Weather – Today’s weather conditions still present the potential for increased fire behavior in the afternoon as winds continue from the SW with potential for gusts at elevation in the 20 MPH range as the expected cold front approaches. The forecast calls for high temps in the 60’s and relative humidity between 18% and 22%. Smoke will be a factor in many areas surrounding the fire. To learn more about air quality, visit Fire.AirNow.Gov. 

Evacuations – Brooks Lake Lodge, Pinnacle Cabins, Falls Camp, and Long Creek have been reduced to a Level 2 “Set” Evacuation Warning. Level 3 “Go” evacuation orders remain in effect for Lava Mountain Lodge and McKenzie Highland Ranch. The Dunoir Road Corridor has been reduced to a Level 1 “Ready” Evacuation Warning. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page for alerts and updates. See the Teton County Emergency Management website updates and to sign up for emergency alerts through Everbridge.

Road Closures – The Union Pass Road is closed on the Pinedale District (BTNF) from Mosquito Lake to the DuNoir on the Wind River District (SHO).

Forest Closures - Closure Order #04-03-24-317 is in effect from October 14, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. through November 15, 2024 at 12:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-316, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area. 

For more information, visit: Facebook: USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest  Pack Trail Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybtf-pack-trail-fire