(Bridger-Teton National Forest) – The Nevada Team 2 crew has shared the August 30 update for the Willow Creek Fire, which indicates the fire has decreased to 4,063 acres, and is now at 23% containment.
The full update is below.
CURRENT SITUATION
As conditions cleared on Friday, fire behavior increased compared to previous days. Hot spots and interior heat persisted through the cool wet weather. To access the interior and western perimeter of the fire, operations to improve the 381 Road have been completed. This allows for efficient transport of resources to every division of the fire. Today crews on all divisions are engaging directly to extend established fire containment lines. Resources are spread out along the fire’s edge and will be constructing fireline simultaneously. Helicopters will continue to assist firefighters on the ground with supply drops and dropping water as necessary. Division Tango continues to assess structures north of the fire. Pumps, sprinklers, and hose lays are being installed as a precautionary measure if the fire spreads to the north.
WEATHER FORECAST
Mostly clear skies all day, with no rain expected on Saturday. Temperatures and RHs Saturday will be similar to Friday, with a high in the mid-60s and minimum RHs around 30 percent. Winds will be out of the north around 10MPH with gusts up to 15MPH. Looking ahead, temperatures trend warmer Sunday through Tuesday, with humidity trending slightly down. Along with this trend fire behavior is expected to remain active with potential increases in activity and smoke.
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.
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 to sign up to receive notifications
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.
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.