The Fish Creek Fire was discovered on Friday, August 16, in a remote area of the North Fork Fish Creek drainage, approximately 7 miles southwest of Togwotee Pass. The lightning-caused fire is approximately 9,461-acres in size burning in heavy timber, litter, understory and standing dead trees.
US HWY 26/287 continues to have heavy smoke and limited visibility. Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) is working closely with Fremont County Emergency Management 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.
Today, crews will be working on spot fires around the Pilot Knob area to tie in the perimeter of the fire. Spot fires occur when floating embers drift in the air on the unburned side of a fire containment line. Spot fires can show up hours to days after embers land in distant location. Management will be monitoring areas of these spot fire concerns, and aviation resources are supporting crews in spot fire suppression to protect resources and values at risk.
Residents of the Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive area remain in the Level 2 Evacuation notice. A Level 2 Evacuation means “Be Set” to evacuate. You must prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, to be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice. See the alert notice on the Fremont County Fire Protection District Facebook page.
Temperatures will be cooler today and moisture is expected over the fire. Although rain can produce relief on a fire, winds can produce challenges for firefighters. With incoming inclement weather through the weekend, fire managers expect growth of the Fish Creek Fire.
The Fish Creek Area, Roads, and Trails Closure Order (map) has been established for public and firefighter safety. See full details at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/btnf/alerts-notices.
