Crews are making progress in slowing the spread of the Fish Creek Fire. As of Wednesday, the lightning-induced fire has burned 11,420 acres southwest of Togwotee Pass since it started Aug. 16.
Structure protection measures are underway for Brooks Lake Lodge and the Pinnacle Recreation Residences, both of which remain under a “Level Two” evacuation zone, as of Wednesday. This means residents should still be ready to leave “at a moment’s notice.”
Crews are taking a “confine” and “point protection” approach to fight the fire, which involves the creation of natural barriers to reduce and limit the spread of the fire.
At a Tuesday press conference, Deputy Incident Commander Mark Goeller said confinement efforts include the construction of control lines to curb the fire’s growth, particularly on the south and east flanks. “Point protection” efforts focus on installing water systems and reducing potential fuel.
Evacuation notices as of Wednesday. (BTNF)
The Northern Rockies Team 1 said Wednesday they have achieved 28% of these objectives, with the assistance of 510 personnel on hand.
A temporary flight restriction was issued Wednesday over the fire to allow firefighting aircraft to work uninterrupted. This includes restrictions on private drones, or “unmanned aircraft systems” in the air.
Driving delays are also expected Thursday on Highway 26/287 between Dubois and Moran Junction as fire crews begin a tree-removal operation from mile markers 27 to 31. Smoke may hinder visibility for drivers, who are encouraged to visit wyoroad.info before driving the pass.
This week’s warm and dry conditions are expected to continue through Sunday, bringing wind gusts over 30 miles per hour with low humidity.
