(Bridger-Teton National Forest) – The Dollar Lake Fire is currently at 15,236 acres and remains at 22% containment as of today, September 8, according to this morning’s update.
The full update is below.
FIRE ACTIVITY
The Dollar Lake Fire is currently at 19,087 acres and 39% containment.
Fire crews had a successful day yesterday adding containment in Division Alpha at the southwestern end of the fire and in Division Charlie along the Green River Lakes campground. Firefighters were also able to make progress on strategic firing operations between the indirect line constructed from Little Sheep to Big Sheep Mountain and the southeastern interior of the fire. Firing operations will continue today, depending on favorable conditions. Increased fire activity and smoke can be expected during this operation.
Today, the Wilderness Group will continue assessing fuel moistures and any fire progression in the wilderness. Crews will continue to add depth to mop up efforts around the wildlife feed ground and outfitter camp. Crews on the southwestern interior, as well as on the west and north sides of the fire continue to mop up and patrol. The structure group continues to improve defense systems in the Bible Camp area and assess around structures to the south. The structure group will assist local resources with initial attack in the event of new incidents within the area.
WEATHER
Today will be warmer and drier as high pressure strengthens over the region. A few cumulus buildups can be expected between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., but the chance of precipitation reaching the fire area is low. Ridgetop winds become out of the south/southwest starting Tuesday as weather systems stall over the Great Basin, leaving weather patterns in the fire area unsettled with daily showers and thunderstorm chances.
EVACUATIONS
Per the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, everything south of the forest boundary (end of State Highway 352) to Black Butte Road has now been returned to the “Ready” state. Red Cliff Bible Camp and north of Union Pass Road (FS RD 660) remains in “Go.”
For more information see: https://www.sublettecountywy.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=2
CLOSURES
The Bridger-Teton National Forest has issued a closure order for the Dollar Lake Fire area.
Beginning at the intersection of Union Pass Road (FS600) and the southern Forest boundary, the fire area follows the Union Pass Road to the north (keeping the Union Pass Road open) to the intersection with the Green River Lakes Road (650). From there, the fire area encompasses the Forest east and south of the Green River to Green River Lakes. The eastern terminus of the closure includes both Green River Lakes and follows the Continental Divide Trail (CDT)/Highline Trail (7094) southeast to the intersection with the Clark Creek Trail (7185). The closure follows the Clark Creek Trail, which remains open, to the intersection with the New Fork/Porcupine Trail (7137). From there, the closure continues south along the New Fork/Porcupine trail up to the Porcupine Ridge/Porcupine Pass area. It then continues to the west along the hydrological divide to the southern fork of the South Fork Gypsum Creek and down the drainage to the Forest Boundary, then west back to the Union Pass Road. The CDT/Highline Trail is also closed from the described area to the north until it intersects with the Union Pass Road. Gypsum Creek Road from the Forest boundary north and the network of roads branching off it are in the closure area and not open to the public.
For closure information please go to: https://www.facebook.com/Bridger-TetonNF
And https://www.facebook.com/SubletteSheriff
SMOKE INFORMATION
Smoke from wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and Canada may continue to impact the area. Locally, smoke from the Dollar Lake Fire will continue to sink overnight and drift down through the Green River valley, lifting throughout the day as temperatures increase. Residents and visitors impacted by the smoke are encouraged to monitor local air quality conditions using the following suggested resources.
Real-time Air Conditions: https://map.purpleair.com
Air Quality Index and Map: https://www.airnow.gov/
Fire and Smoke Map: https://fire.airnow.gov/
FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Fires are not permitted unless they are within a metal or concrete fire pit installed and maintained at a developed recreation site; liquid or gas fuel that can be turned off and no flammable materials within three feet; or a fully enclosed metal stove with a chimney and mesh screen spark arrestor.
For fire restriction information please go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r04/bridger-teton/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions