(Bridger-Teton National Forest) – The Nevada Team 2 crew has shared the August 27 update for the Willow Creek Fire in Lincoln County, south of Smoot, which indicates the fire has grown to 4,356 acres, and remains at 12% containment.
The full August 27 is below, including evacuation/closure information.
WEATHER FORECAST
Rain is a welcome sight during fire season, but in thick forests, the tree canopy can block much of the rainfall from reaching the ground. This means surface fuels like dry needles, branches, and brush may stay dry. While current wet conditions are helping reduce fire activity temporarily, and widespread showers are in the forecast for Wednesday, a warming and drying trend is expected which may contribute to increased fire behavior.
CURRENT SITUATION
Crews are making steady progress on structural protection efforts and continue building and reinforcing control lines. Recent rainfall has moderated fire activity, allowing crews to work directly on the fire’s edge. This direct approach enables firefighters to engage the fire more efficiently and make steady progress on containment. Personnel installed structural protection systems, which consists of setting up sprinkler systems for the communication site and the Allred Flat Campground. Additional hot shots and crews continue to arrive as resource orders are filled and will be integrated with the other divisions.
Estimated acreage of the fire perimeter grew due to an Infrared (IR) flight conducted late Sunday night as rain and thunderstorms began to dissipate. IR flights, typically done by aircraft or drone, are used to detect heat sources which allow for better mapping of a fire’s perimeter. Fire is currently at 12% containment.
EVACUATION INFORMATION/CLOSURE INFORMATION
Lincoln County utilizes the READY, SET, GO! method. It’s important to be familiar with each stage; read the descriptions by visiting the Lincoln County Emergency Management’s Wildland Fire Action Guide at https://cms5.revize.com/…/RSG%20Guide%20Interactive…
The evacuation zones remain at a ‘SET’ status. The zones are from mile post 75 south (vicinity of Gomm’s Pond Lane) to Salt Pass, and west of Highway 89 from Reeves-Schwab Lane South to Gomms Pond. Please be prepared for potential evacuation should the “GO” order be given. The Code Red notification will be initiated by Lincoln County Homeland Security & Emergency Management. Use this link https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/5A0AA8D606C6 to sign up to receive notifications.
Please monitor local media and follow Lincoln County Homeland Security & Emergency Management on Facebook for more updates.
A forest closure for a portion of both the Grey River District and Kemmerer District, is still in effect. The defined boundary for area closure is as follows: from U.S. Highway 89 T29 N R 19 N Section 34 running west along the Bridger-Teton National Forest boundary (R19W R18W) to the Wyoming Idaho State line, running north along said state line to the Forest/private boundary at T 31 R 119 W section 30, following the Forest/private boundary SE to its intersection with U.S. Highway 89, running along the west edge of U.S. Highway 89 back to the point of origin. Smiths Fork Winter Trailhead is closed. Within the described area , all roads and trails are closed including Allred Flat Campground. Follow this link for full closure information: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/wybtf-willow-creek
Highway 89 is currently open to all traffic in both directions. Travelers on Highway 89 are advised to use caution due to fire vehicles and equipment in the area. Please do not stop or park along the roadside to view the fire area, as this can create safety risks for emergency personnel.
Updates will continue to be posted on the Willow Creek Fire Inciweb page at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident…/wybtf-willow-creek