(Bridger-Teton National Forest) – The Nevada Team 2 crew has shared the August 26 update for the Willow Creek Fire in Lincoln County, south of Smoot, which indicates the fire is burning at 3,820 acres, and is now at 12% containment.
The full August 26 is below, including evacuation/closure information.
Current Situaiton:
Fire crews made solid progress on the eastern flank of the fire near Smoot, WY, successfully achieving 12% containment. All containment is currently concentrated on the eastern side, where structure protection and defense operations were highly effective. Fire engines were strategically positioned along Highway 89, ready to respond to any concerns. Work began in preparation for the arrival of ordered resources by identifying potential points to drop crews and get personnel closer to the fire. Operations will remain focused on structure and resource protection with crews continuing to reinforce structure defense in Smoot and the Allred Flat.
Campground by installing pump and sprinkler kits. Hand crews are on the ground, working to connect handlines with the recently completed dozer line in the Smoot area —strengthening the containment perimeter.
Additionally, crews are preparing Road 381 for vehicle access, a critical step in improving mobility for personnel, equipment, and safety resources.
EVACUATION/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.
After aerial assessments and collaborations with Incident Management Team, the evacuation zone from milepost 75 south (vicinity of Gomm’s Pond Lane) to Salt Pass has been lowered to “SET” status. Residents west of Highway 89 from Reeves-Schwab Lane South to Gomms Pond are also in “SET” status. 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 to sign up to receive notifications.
Though the evacuation level has changed, there is still a forest closure for Grey River District and Kemmerer District. 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.
Travelers on Highway 89 should be cautious of fire vehicles and equipment in the area and are asked to not pull over or park on the side of the road to view the fire area, which could pose safety hazards to emergency personnel.
WEATHER FORECAST
Forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday calls for a chance of showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. While rainfall is generally seen as a welcome development, it’s important to note that in dense forests the canopy formed by mature trees can act as a natural umbrella and intercept much of the precipitation before it reaches the forest floor. As a result, rainfall may not sufficiently moisten surface fuels like dry leaves, downed trees, and underbrush. Without meaningful wetting of these surface fuels, fire suppression efforts may see only minimal benefit.
Please monitor local media and follow Lincoln County Homeland Security & Emergency Management on Facebook for more updates.
Expected Containment Date: September 5, 2025
Incident Websites: Click here.
