Single Publication

Summary: The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the early afternoon.

The fire is located on a ridge line between the Elk Fork and June Creek drainages, approximately 1-mile south of Clearwater Campground. The location of the fire is very difficult to reach, and plans are being developed to suppress the fire. The fire cause was from lightning. 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: The fire is burning through thick, dead and down fuels on steep slopes and along the ridge in brush. It is still burning along the ridge line in brush, along with Additionally, some single and group tree torching was observed. A change in weather systems is expected Thursday that could bring gusty and erratic winds, with an increase in isolated thunderstorms, but more moderate temperatures are likely through the weekend. Winds will be predominantly storm and terrain influenced with the narrow North Fork Canyon as well as drainages to the east and west of the fire.  

Actions: Resources have taken advantage of the fire remaining on the ridgeline, focusing on updating structure protection plans for Shoshone National Forest infrastructure, summer homes, and private property in the immediate area. Additionally, they have been assisting private landowners with increasing their defensible space and hardening of their structures.  Cooperators have been engaged to identify recommended evacuations if needed, and suppression actions to take near structures. 

Important Information: Risk to responders and public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team. While the Clearwater fire has not been putting much smoke into the air, smoke from fires in Canada as well as Idaho and the Northwest have been a steady influence across the area for many days. Use the link above for ‘AirNow’ to check current conditions and try to plan your outdoor activities when air quality is at a tolerable level. There are no fire restrictions in place on the Shoshone National Forest, however as a reminder this is the time of year to be vigilant about possible ignition sources. When dousing a campfire, ‘drown, stir, feel for heat, and repeat’ is the preferred method. 

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