Single Publication

Fire Location: 11 miles west of Wapiti, WY
Size: 1,878 acres
Containment: 10%
Personnel: 157
Start Date: 7/19/24
Cause: Lightning
Incident Commander (IC): Ron Steffens, Wyoming Type 3 Team

Summary 
Crews remain working on holding the fire south of Highway 14, west of Pagoda Summer Homes, and east of the UXU Ranch.   

Engines will continue monitoring the highway corridor for smoke and spot fires through the evening.  Fire crews are working diligently to establish control lines while cooler weather conditions are favorable. 

Drivers along Highway 14 should maintain a safe speed in the fire area. The presence of a USFS law enforcement officer in the corridor is helping to manage traffic. Please do not enter closed campgrounds and closed trail areas so firefighters may work safely. These closures are for public and firefighter safety. 

Closures
Elk Fork Campground is closed indefinitely.  Wapiti Campground, and Clearwater Campground are closed until fire conditions allow otherwise. These closures provide public safety and increased access for fire resources. 

A road and trail closure are in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail. The closure order (#021404-24-03) can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1196718.pdf

A temporary flight restriction is in effect until August 19, 2024. 

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior 
In the coming days, cooler temperatures are foreseeable, though gusty winds with thunderstorm outflows could allow growth of the fire, particularly into the south end of the Elk Fork drainage.  The air quality index is forecasted to remain GOOD for the next 48 hours. 

Important Information
Managing the risk to responders and ensuring public safety remain the highest priorities for the incident management team. The Clearwater fire has not been the only fire contributing to the smoke in 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 AirNow link to check current conditions and try to plan your outdoor activities when air quality is at a tolerable level.  

The Shoshone National Forest implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions due to very dry conditions of fuels and continued hot, dry weather. A copy of the order (#02-14-04-24-04) can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1197676.pdf

Fire History 
The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the vicinity of the Elk Fork drainage. The location of the fire is in very steep and remote terrain that makes direct attack on the fire very difficult for firefighter access and safety. The fire is burning on steep slopes in conifer forest, brush, and dead and down logs.  The fire was caused by lightning.