The Wapiti Campground, which was closed in the early days of the fire when it threatened U.S. Highway 14/16/20W, reopened Wednesday in yet another clear sign that the fire is now less of a threat to the surrounding areas.

The 1,896 acre fire west of Wapiti was 62% contained as of Wednesday morning, according to the last daily report from the Wyoming Type 3 incident command team. Future reports will be as needed at inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wyshf-clearwater. 

There are still 78 personnel working on the fire, which is contained mostly along the eastern and northern flanks.

No fire growth was reported on Tuesday, according to the report. The most recent aerial mapping showed the fire is holding heat primarily on the northern and western edges. As the fire is likely to burn and smolder for some time in heavy fuels and steep terrain, the incident management team will continue requests for aerial mapping as needed to accurately report updated acreage and areas of heat. Fire managers will continue work on the Clearwater Fire and take appropriate action based on factors such as complexity, fire behavior, weather and safety.

Remote weather stations recorded .25 inches of rain on the fire area Tuesday. Wednesday’s weather showed a continued chance of showers throughout the day, with thunderstorms possible in the afternoon.

Elk Fork Campground and Clearwater Campground remain closed until fire conditions allow otherwise. A road and trail closure are in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail.