Independently Speaking: Effective Timber Management
For the first time in decades, I sense that we are prepared to take another look at effective timber management, both at the national level and at the state level. For years, I have been frustrated by a preservationist approach…
County fire restrictions remain in place, for now
A fire ban remains in effect in Lincoln County, at least for the time being. Removing the restrictions is one of the agenda items for a special meeting scheduled for the Lincoln County Commissioners at 1:00 p.m. this Monday, September…
Forest Service begins road cleanup
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has begun clearing roads and trails north of where the Willow Creek Fire burned, with the initial goal to make it possible for cattle to pass in and out. Some of the trails and roads…
Local Forest Service Rangers respond to fire mitigation concerns
As the Willow Creek Fire has been extinguished south of Smoot, concerns have ignited over suppression efforts performed by contracted workers for the U.S. Forest Service. These concerns arose following a since deleted Facebook video that showed a large…
Willow Creek Fire now 96% contained
The Willow Creek Fire, which was first reported on August 22, is now nearly fully contained according to to the most recent update from officials with the Bridger-Teton National Forest. On Wednesday September 10, the fire is being described as…
Willow Creek now 73% contained
Officials with the Bridger-Teton National Forest are describing the Willow Creek Fire south of Smoot now at 73% contained on September 8, 2025. The size of the fire has remained unchanged for several days, holding steady at 4,065 acres. The…
Accident claims life of forest service contract worker
A contract worker for the Bridger-Teton National Forest was killed in a work related accident Saturday morning, August 30. Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson said Victor Salvador Alvarado, 30, from Mexico, was working in the La Barge Creek area when…
Willow Creek Fire now 4,356 acres at 17% containment for Thursday
The Willow Creek Fire is coming up on a full week of burning in southwest of Smoot, Wyoming. The fire was first reported on Friday, August 22 approximately four miles southwest of Smoot. The latest update from officials are estimating…
Willow Creek Fire still at 12% containment on Wednesday
Fire crews continue to battle the Willow Creek Fire located four miles southwest of Smoot, Wyoming as the blaze enters its sixth day. As of the latest update, the fire is now estimated to be 4,355.9 acres which is virtually…
Cooler temps and increased chance of rain in the forecast as Willow Creek Fire continues to be active.
According to the latest update on Monday provided by officials battling the Willow Creek Fire south of Smoot, wetter conditions and cooler temperatures are expected to aid in the effort. No increase in burning acreage was reported with the total…