According to the most recent information provided by officials battling the Fish Creek Fire, the blaze is currently estimated to be at 11,278 acres and is at 23-percent containment.
The lightning-caused fire began on August 16 approximately seven miles southwest of Togwotee Pass and currently has more than 330 total personnel on hand in the effort. This includes five helicopters, eight hand crews and 13 engines.
Officials stated that a meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday evening at the National Museum of Military Vehicles just east of Duboise where fire managers and local officials will provide and overview of the status of the fire, fire suppression efforts and the closure area.
Air quality and smoke conditions and forecasts can be found at https://www.airnow.gov/.
Cooler temperatures and rain helped crews make progress over the weekend and on into Monday morning.
“Weather conditions yesterday allowed firefighters the opportunity to scout indirect fire line locations in locations primarily northwest, north, and northeast of the active fire area relative to the values identified to be at risk from fire activity,” information from a news release stated. “Indirect fire line construction was improved from Highway 26 to Pilot Knob with additional indirect line construction continuing south toward the Moccasin Basin Trailhead. Firefighting resources utilized heavy equipment to reduce vegetation along Deception.”
On the southwest corner firefighters conducted a small firing operation near Red Creek to secure the uneven fire edge. Structure protection crews continued to install pumps, hose, and sprinklers in the Brooks, Pinnacle and Breccia areas. Additional firefighting crews and equipment have been ordered and are arriving to support work on the fire.
Wetter conditions are expected to diminish with showers and thunderstorms leaving the area. Increased winds are expected with warmer and drier conditions on Tuesday.
