The declaration allows the state to access more federal firefighting resources and directs the Office of Homeland Security to participate in firefighting responses. There is an immediate evacuation alongside the Fremont and Host Springs county lines.
Highway 26/287 is temporarily closed between the east side of Grand Teton National Park and Dubois due to increased smoke and decreased visibility. There’s currently no date set for when it might re-open.
Crews are making headway on the Fish Creek fire, though evacuation notices remain for nearby residents and driving delays are expected for Togwotee Pass.
Fremont County has issued pre-evacuation notices for businesses, homes and along a 6-mile stretch of the popular highway over Togwotee Pass.
The Forest Service is asking for additional firefighting resources to control the blaze.
The Leeds Creek Fire was first reported Aug. 1 in the Bridger Teton National Forest, about 18 miles southwest of the town of Dubois. Maps show it’s burning right through the Continental Divide Trail.
The National Federation of Federal Employees, which has been pushing hard for the reform, is hopeful of ultimate passage, pointing to significant bipartisan support for firefighter raises.
As fire season gets underway in Colorado, local, state, and federal agencies are working hard to recruit wildland firefighters to both respond to and prevent dangerous blazes. While it’s a difficult job, many firefighters say it’s rewarding to do work that keeps them outdoors and makes a positive difference.
For the first time, the community wildfire protection plan would aim to make most new developments in Jackson more resistant to flames.
