The Willow Creek Fire, burning southwest of Smoot, Wyoming since August 22, is now considered 43% contained at a size of 4.066 acres as of Wednesday September 3. Fire officials still estimate full containment of the fire by September 15.
CURRENT SITUATION
On Monday night, airborne infrared imagery was acquired which identified areas of heat and isolated heat sources within the fire. This data is being used to inform decisions about where to focus firefighting efforts to contain all active fire and tie containment lines together. Most heat sources were in the northeast portion of the fire and are likely contributed to individual trees that continue to burn. On Tuesday firefighters continued patrolling containment lines and treating these trees and scattered areas of heat to secure and extend fire lines, successfully increasing containment to 43%. Helicopters continue providing support to firefighters by dropping water and carrying supplies to crews that are camped close to the fire’s edge. Wednesday’s operations will continue these tactics.
WEATHER FORECAST
Wednesday will see slightly higher humidity in the upper teens to lower twenties and temperatures remaining near 80 degrees. Winds will be northwesterly with gusts to 17 miles per hour, contributing to active fire behavior. Thursday is expected to bring a change, with cooler temperatures and higher rain chances extending into Friday and the weekend.
EVACUATION/CLOSURE INFORMATION
Lincoln County utilizes the READY, SET, GO! method. It’s important to be familiar with each stage; read the descriptions by visiting the Lincoln County Emergency Management’s Wildland Fire Action Guide at https://cms5.revize.com/…/
After aerial assessments and collaborations with Incident Management Team, the evacuation zone from mile post 75 south (vicinity of Gomms Pond Lane) to Salt Pass has been lowered to “SET” status. Residents west of Highway 89 from Reeves-Schwab Lane South to Gomms Pond are also in “SET” status. Please be prepared for potential evacuation should the “GO” order be given. The Code Red notification will be initiated by Lincoln County Homeland Security & Emergency Management. Use this linkhttps://public.coderedweb.com/
Please monitor local media and follow Lincoln County Homeland Security & Emergency Management on Facebook for more updates.
Though the evacuation level has changed, there is still a forest closure for portions of the Greys River District and Kemmerer District. The defined boundary for area closure is as follows: from U.S. Highway 89 T29 N R 19 N Section 34 running west along the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary (R19W R18W) to the Wyoming Idaho State line, running north along said state line to the Forest/private boundary at T 31 R 119 W section 30, following the Forest/private boundary SE to its intersection with U.S. Highway 89, running along the west edge of U.S. Highway 89 back to the point of origin. Smiths Fork Winter Trailhead is closed. Within the described area, all roads and trails are closed including Allred Flat Campground. Follow this link for full closure information: Wybtf Willow Creek Fire Information | InciWeb
Travelers on Highway 89 should be cautious of fire vehicles and equipment in the area and are asked to not pull over or park on the side of the road to view the fire area, which could pose safety hazards to emergency personnel.
Incident Websites: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/
