(Cody, WY) — The Clearwater Fire was reported around 4:30 p.m. yesterday (7/19) in the Wapiti Ranger District of the Shoshone National Forest. It is estimated at 5-acres and a type-3 team has been ordered to provide overhead and support as well as additional firefighting resources. The cause of the fire has been determined to be lightning from storm cells that came through the area yesterday afternoon.
The fire is located on a ridge line between the Elk Fork and June Creek drainages, approximately 1-mile south of Clearwater Creek Campground. Due to the location, steep terrain, and expected weather it is not safe to directly engage the fire at its edge. The safety of firefighters and the public is always the top priority for the Shoshone National Forest when responding to incidents. Fire managers will work with the incoming team to develop a plan to suppress the fire using a confine and contain strategy.
We are asking the public to please be on the lookout for increased responder traffic in the Wapiti area and along the North Fork Highway.
The Shoshone National Forest is currently in ‘Very High’ fire danger. It is important for everyone to remain vigilant with any possible ignition sources to include vehicle mufflers on tall grass, dragging tow chains, and campfires.