Hot weather escalates wildfires in region

Posted 7/22/16

Meanwhile, the Cliff Creek Fire, burning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest northwest of Bondurant, was estimated at 10,118 acres, with 5 percent containment.

Both fires have prompted evacuations and highway safety concerns.

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Hot weather escalates wildfires in region

Posted

Evacuations ordered near Dubois and Bondurant

The Lava Mountain Fire northwest of Dubois nearly doubled in size Wednesday, burning an additional 450 acres to bring the total fire area to an estimated 1,024 acres.

Meanwhile, the Cliff Creek Fire, burning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest northwest of Bondurant, was estimated at 10,118 acres, with 5 percent containment.

Both fires have prompted evacuations and highway safety concerns.

The Lava Mountain Fire, burning in the Shoshone National Forest, was zero percent contained as of 2 p.m. Thursday, according to an update from the Northern Rockies Incident Management Team.

Seven crews totaling 382 firefighters were assigned to the fire, equipped with 23 fire engines, one bulldozer, five helicopters and two single-engine air tankers.

Evacuations

Evacuations were ordered from MacKenzie Highland Ranch to Lava Creek Ranch.

“This means the area is no longer safe and you need to be out of the area,” according to a statment on the Shoshone National Forest’s Facebook page, posted at 3:38 p.m. on Thursday.

People in other residences west of Big Diamond Ranch to Falls Creek campground were advised to have their emergency items packed, according to the update.  

“All residents and visitors in and outside the recommended evacuation area, should stay aware of current and forecasted conditions, and be ready to act appropriately,” said Geremy Olson, spokesman for the management team.

Maps of the fire are available at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/maps/4864/.

“During these evacuations, fire crews are continuing structure protection efforts and working to gain ground on future containment,” Olson said in the statement.

Area residents and visitors were advised to stay informed of news and updates from the Fremont County Sheriff's Department, the local fire department and public information.

“Whether you are directly effected by this incident or not, every resident in the surrounding area should have an evacuation plan in place,” Olson said. “And, remember, if you feel concerned or threatened by fire activity, leave the area. Do not wait for someone to tell you; leave when you feel you need to.”

Fire activity was predicted to decrease on Thursday, which should allow firefighters to prepare for the weather front that is coming Friday, Olson said.

Highway safety/road closures

Due to safety concerns related to the fire, people traveling on U.S. Highway 26 north of Dubois are advised to not pull off the road, and to drive defensively and follow all traffic signs.

Road closures include Forest Service Road 532 (Warm Springs Loop), 540 (Pelham Lake), 542, 542.11, 629 from Highway 26 to the junction with Road 538, Motorized Trail (MT) 10, 10-540.1D, 11, 15 (Sheridan Creek Overlook) and portions of the Continental Divide Trail from Pilot Knob to Sheridan Pass.

The lightning-caused Cliff Creek fire was discovered on the Bridger-Teton National Forest at 2:30pm on Sunday, July 17. The fire was reported approximately 5 miles north of the town of Bondurant.

As of Thursday, 596 personnel were assigned to the fire. Resources included 16 firefighting crews, seven helicopters and 29 fire engines.

“Recent hot temperatures, low humidity and windy conditions have combined to increase the potential for intense fire activity across the Teton Interagency fire area,” a fire update said.

Evacuations

As the Cliff Creek Fire spreads to the north and east, evacuation orders have expanded to include Granite Canyon in Teton County.

The evacuation in Sublette County remains in effect and includes the Cozy Campground and residences, south along Highway 189/191 toward the north area of Bondurant. For these evacuees, anyone needing a place to stay should call the Sublette County Sheriff's Office at (307) 367-4378.

However, a previously ordered evacuation for the town of Bondurant was lifted.

Highway closed

U.S. Highway 189-191 remained closed.

Maps of the fire are available online at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/maps/4865/.

“Campers are reminded that unattended or abandoned campfires can easily escalate into wildfires; therefore, it is important that all campfires are completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving a site,” the update said. “Campers and day users should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use. All campfires must be completely extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving a site.

Recreationalists could be held liable for suppression costs if their actions contribute to starting a wildfire, the update said.

The fire burning about 35 miles east of Greybill near Shell Reservoir and Lake Adelaide was first detected Tuesday and was 415 acres in size as of Thursday afternoon, according to the Forest Service.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and the heavy timber on zero to 25 percent slopes isn’t helping as four 20-person hotshot crews, two 20-person hand crews, four engines and two helicopters work to extinguish the blaze. Fortunately, no structures are threatened.  

The area around the Arden fire is closed to public access, and the fire danger remains high in the Bighorn National Forest.

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