UPDATE: August 13 at 3:50 p.m.
On August 13, 2024, Wapiti Ranger District (WRD) provided an update on the Clearwater Fire located 11 miles west of Wapiti. As of Aug 13, an 80-person crew has the lighting caused fire 62% contained after burning through 1,896 acres since July 19.
Containment Progress
WRD says that recent cooler temperatures and some light rain have helped the team of 80 personnel improve containment to 62% in the fire area. Yesterday, Aug 12, crews cleaned up brush and downed trees in the Elk Fork Campground and patrolled fire lines.
Today, Tuesday, August 13, crews will monitor the nearby highway and river corridor for fire movement. The fire is expected to continue burning and smoldering in areas of dense fire-fuel material and on steep terrain.
Forecasted rain may reduce internal activity within the boundaries of the fire over the next few days, but the potential for fire spread will return as conditions change. Firefighters will monitor the current short-term weather while preparing for critical fire weather conditions affecting the region.
Closures
The Elk Fork Campground remains closed indefinitely for the season.
The Wapiti Campground and Clearwater Campground remain closed until fire conditions improve.
There are road and trail closures in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road, and NFS Trail #760, Elk Fork Trail.
For safety, the public is asked to respect these closures. A temporary flight restriction is in effect until August 19, 2024.
Anticipated Fire Behavior and Safety Precautions
A forecast of potential rain showers and thunderstorms could produce gusty and erratic winds could potentially cause fire growth.
The Shoshone National Forest has implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions due to very dry conditions and continued hot, dry weather.
You can find a copy of the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions order from Shoshone here.
UPDATE: August 12 at 7:28 p.m.
In Park County, Wyo., firefighters are making progress tackling the Clearwater Fire.
According to the Park County Sheriff’s Office, the fire has burned almost 1,900 acres and is now 43 percent contained.
They said the fire activity hasn't been as active toward the perimeter lines, which has allowed some fire crews to be reassigned to more active fires.
The sheriff’s office also mentioned that due to heavy fuels in steep, inaccessible terrain, the Clearwater Fire is likely to burn and smolder for some time, even with cooler temperatures and precipitation.
UPDATE: Aug. 5 at 2:11 p.m.
The Clearwater Fire is currently 1,786 acres and is seven-percent contained Monday.
The following is a press release from the USDA:
Summary: The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the vicinity of the Elk Fork drainage. The location of the fire is in very steep and remote terrain that makes direct attack on the fire very difficult while ensuring firefighter safety. The fire cause was from lightning.
Fire crews completed work on the UXU Ranch with sprinkler instillation and fuel source reduction. Crews will begin installing additional burnout lines around the UXU Ranch and install sprinklers on the bridge to protect the decking.
Engines will patrol the highway corridor for any potential spot fires that could threaten the corridor, with aviation support as needed. In the coming days, moderated weather may slow fire growth, though gusty winds with thunderstorm outflows may also allow growth, particularly into the south end of the Elk Fork drainage.
The Wyoming Type 3, Team 3 transitioned to the Wyoming Type 3, Team 4 on Sunday August 4th. The Wyoming Type 3 teams are organized to manage mid-complexity and longer term fires and include staff from local, state and national organizations. Fire managers continue to take appropriate action based on a variety of factors including complexity, fire behavior and weather. Public and firefighter safety remains the number one priority.
Closures: Elk Fork Campground is closed indefinitely. Wapiti Campground, and Clearwater Campground are closed until fire conditions allow otherwise. These closures provide public safety and increased access for fire resources. A road and trail closure are in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail. The purpose of this Order is to protect human health and safety from the Clearwater fire. More information can be found: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/shoshone/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5175892
Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: The fire is burning on steep slopes in conifer forest, brush and dead and down logs. Temperatures are forecast to be cooler and relative humidities higher, which may result in less active spread, but gustier winds and thunderstorm outflow winds could drive more erratic fire behavior. There is a chance of monsoon moisture in the upcoming week.
Important Information: Managing the risk to responders and ensuring public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team. The Clearwater fire has not been the only fire contributing to the smoke in the air. Smoke from fires in Canada as well as Idaho and the Northwest have been a steady influence across the area for many days. Use the link above for ‘AirNow’ to check current conditions and try to plan your outdoor activities when air quality is at a tolerable level.
The Shoshone National Forest has also implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions, due to the very dry conditions of fuels and the likely continued hot and dry weather. A copy of the order can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/shoshone/alerts-notices
UPDATE: Aug, 1 at 1:38 p.m.
The following is a social media update from the Park County Sheriff's Office:
Summary: The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the early afternoon. The fire is located in the Elk Fork vicinity. The location of the fire is in very steep terrain that makes suppression efforts difficult when ensuring firefighter safety. The fire cause was from lightning.
The structure protection work at Bill Cody Ranch, Pagoda Summer Homes, and UXU Ranch is finished. Additional structure protection work will begin at Moss Creek and Aspen Summer Home groups.
Crews and helicopters are focusing fire containment efforts in the Elk Fork drainage. A portion of the fire is also visible above the Clearwater Campground, and crews are evaluating plans for containment there.
The Wapiti, Clarks Fork, and Greybull Ranger Districts of the Shoshone National Forest have implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions within all portions of the three districts, effective immediately. A copy of the order can be found at:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/shoshone/alerts-notices
Closures: Elk Fork Campground is closed indefinitely. Wapiti Campground, Big Game Campground, and Pagoda Summer Homes are all closed until fire conditions allow otherwise. These closures provide public safety and increased access for fire resources. A road and trail closure are in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail. The purpose of this Order is to protect human health and safety from the Clearwater fire. More information can be found: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detai.../shoshone/alerts-notices/...
Quick Facts
Fire location:
11 miles West of Wapiti, Wyoming
Size: 1,167 Acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 106
Start Date: 7/19/2024
Cause: Lightning
Incident Commander: Jon Warder, Wyoming Type 3
Online Links: Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incide.../wyshf-clearwater-fire
Shoshone National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/shoshone
Smoke and Air Quality: www.fire.airnow.gov
Park County Sheriff Office Facebook:
Scan the QR Code for quick links to the Clearwater Fire:
Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: The fire is burning through timber, brush and thick, dead and down fuels on steep slopes. Weather has been moderate, but a return to hot and dry weather with less winds are predicted for Thursday through Sunday.
UPDATE: July 31 at 11:34 a.m.
The following is a social media post from the Park County Sheriff's Office:
Wednesday, July 31, 2024
Clearwater Fire Information 307-213-9458 8am-8pm |
2024.clearwater@irenet.gov
Summary: The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the early afternoon. The fire is located in the Elk Fork vicinity. The location of the fire is very difficult terrain that makes suppression efforts challenging. The fire cause was from lightning. The aerial assessment of the Clearwater Fire showed growth along the Elk Fork Canyon and Highway 14 Corridor; fortunately, the fire did not cross the highway nor travel south along the Elk Fork Drainage. A Type 1 helicopter will be used to support containment in Elk Fork. Crews will finish structure protection preparation work in the Bill Cody Ranch area and begin fuel reduction work in the Moss Creek and Aspen Creek areas.
Closures: Elk Fork Campground, Wapiti Campground, Big Game Campground, Wapiti Ranger Station, and Pagoda Summer Homes are all closed. These closures provide public safety and increased access to fire resources. A road and trail closure are in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail. The purpose of this Order is to protect human health and safety from the Clearwater fire. More information can be found: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detai.../shoshone/alerts-notices/...
Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: The fire is burning through timber, brush and thick, dead and down fuels on steep slopes. A milder day is in store for the fire today, with higher relative humidity, lower temperatures, and average winds being forecasted. Warmer temperatures throughout the remainder of the week could create challenges for potential fire growth. Important Information: Risk to responders and public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team. The Clearwater fire has not been the only fire contributing to the smoke in the air. Smoke from fires in Canada as well as Idaho and the Northwest
Quick Facts
Fire location: 11 miles West of Wapiti, Wyoming
Size: 1,047 Acres
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 104
Start Date: 7/19/2024
Cause: Lightning
Incident Commander: Jon Warder, Wyoming Type 3
Online Links:
Inciweb:
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wyshf-clearwater-fire
Shoshone National Forest:
http://www.fs.usda.gov/shoshone
Smoke and Air Quality:
Park County Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ParkCountySheriffCodyWY/
have been a steady influence across the area for many days. Use the link above for ‘AirNow’ to check current conditions and try to plan your outdoor activities when air quality is at a tolerable level. There are no fire restrictions in place on the Shoshone National Forest, however as a reminder this is the time of year to be vigilant about possible ignition sources. When dousing a campfire, ‘drown, stir, feel for heat, and repeat’ is the preferred method.
UPDATE: July 30 at 10:16 a.m.
The following is a social media post from the Park County Sheriff's Office:
Summary: The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the early afternoon. The fire is located in the Elk Fork vicinity. The location of the fire is very difficult terrain that makes suppression efforts challenging. The fire cause was from lightning. Fire activity occurred within the Elk Fork canyon moving towards Highway 14/16/20 corridor, whereby the Elk Fork campground, Wapiti campground, Wapiti Ranger Station, and Pagoda Summer Homes were evacuated in a multi-agency approach. With firefighting operations and smoke on the highway, the Highway Patrol temporarily closed the highway from the East Entrance to near Wapiti, with WYDOT delivering electronic signs for smoke and safety warnings, and an ambulance was staffed on site for public and firefighter safety. No structures were lost and firefighters were able to protect vehicles left at the corrals in Elk Fork. No fire crossed the highway to the north, and no spread likely occurred south up the Elk Fork drainage due to prevailing winds. Pumps were run in the Pagoda summer homes to raise humidity and wet fuels. One engine was left staffed to patrol the highway overnight. Highway 14/16/20 is open.
Closures: Elk Fork Campground, Wapiti Campground, Wapiti Ranger Station are all closed. A road and trail closure is in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail. The purpose of this Order is to protect human health and safety from the Clearwater fire. More information can be found:https://www.fs.usda.gov/detai.../shoshone/alerts-notices/...
Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: The fire is burning through timber, brush and thick, dead and down fuels on steep slopes. While winds are still forecasted to be strong this afternoon, there will be some relief with higher relative humidity and lower temperatures today.
Quick Facts Fire location: 11 miles West of Wapiti, Wyoming
Size: 1,000 acres estimate
Containment: 0%
Personnel: 101
Start Date: 7/19/2024
Cause: Lightning
Incident Commander: Jon Warder, Wyoming Type 3
Online Links:
Inciweb:https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wyshf-clearwater-fire Shoshone National Forest:http://www.fs.usda.gov/shoshone
Smoke and Air Quality:https://www.AirNow.gov
Park County Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ParkCountySheriffCodyWY/
Actions: Resources will begin a rapid assessment of fire activity to update engagement for the day, focusing on protecting critical values at risk. Aerial operations will include using a Type 1 helicopter to perform water drops to and unmanned aerial systems for mapping.
Resources will continue reducing fuels near lodges and summer homes in the Shoshone National Forest. Significant fuels reduction has occurred at the Bill Cody Ranch. Installation of sprinklers and other structure protection equipment will occur there today. Thinning and sprinkler system installation will also occur around the Wapiti Ranger Station. Cooperators have been engaged to identify evacuations as needed, and suppression actions to take near structures if needed.
Important Information: Risk to responders and public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team. The Clearwater fire has not been the only fire contributing to the smoke in the air. Smoke from fires in Canada as well as Idaho and the Northwest have been a steady influence across the area for many days. Use the link above for ‘AirNow’ to check current conditions and try to plan your outdoor activities when air quality is at a tolerable level. There are no fire restrictions in place on the Shoshone National Forest, however as a reminder this is the time of year to be vigilant about possible ignition sources. When dousing a campfire, ‘drown, stir, feel for heat, and repeat’ is the preferred method.
UPDATE: July 29 at 9:57 p.m.
From Park County Sheriff's Office:
The east entrance of Yellowstone national park is closed to outbound traffic. You can still enter the park if needed. Park Rangers are closing the road on the west side of the fire at this time.
The USFS is evacuating the Wapiti campground due to heavy smoke and the fire is approaching the highway. Please do not go up to the area. We will post further updates as we know them. Use caution if you are up there as there are numerous emergency vehicles on the highway. The Wyoming Highway Patrol will be closing the highway until further notice at the forest boundary.
Those Campgrounds evacuated are Wapiti Campground and Elk Fork Campground. Pagoda summer homes have been evacuated.
Wyoming Highway Patrol has temporarily closed Highway 14/16/20 at the East Gate of Yellowstone to Wapiti.
PARK COUNTY, Wyo. - On Saturday, Park County Sheriff's Office (PCSO) provided an update on the 100-acre Clearwater Fire located 11 miles west of Wapiti, WY.
PCSO says the Clearwater Fire was started by lightning on Friday July 19, 2024, in the early afternoon. The fireis currently 0% contained.
Location
The fire is located in Shoshone National Forest, roughly 1 mile south of Clearwater Campground on a ridge line between the Elk Fork and June Creek drainages. PCSO says the location is very difficult to reach and thatthe fire is burning down steep slopes with thick, dead fuels.
Countermeasures
There are currently 70 personnel members responding to the Clearwater Fire. PCSO resources have taken advantage of the fire remaining on the ridgeline to focus on reducing fuels located near lodges and homes in the Shoshone National Forest.
Structure protection measures including pumps and sprinklers have been deployed.
Power poles are also being protected with wrap in cooperation with Rocky Mountain Power Company.
Closures
In order to protect public health and safety, the National Forest Service (NFS) has placed closures on Elk Fork Road (NFS Road #424) and Elk Fork Trail (NFS Trail #760) until further notice.
Additional info can be found at: fs.usda.gov/detailfull/shoshone/alerts-notices/ under "Wapiti Ranger District".
Anticipated Weather Effects
Cooler temperatures with scattered rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue through the rest of today, July 27. Afternoon wind gusts as high as 30 mph are anticipated which could cause the fire to spread more.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFO
Air Quality
PCSO says that public safety and risk to responders remain as the highest priority for the incident management team. The Clearwater Fire has not produced a large amount of smoke, but there have been smoky and hazy conditions in the area for several days from fires in Canada and the Northwest.
PSCO advises that anyone planning outdoor recreational activities should visitairnow.govto check Air Quality Conditions.
Fire management safety
Currently there are no fire restrictions in place in Shoshone National Forest, but PCSO reminds everyone to be extremely vigilant about fire safety during this time of year when conditions are hot, dry, and windy.
Campers are advised to douse all campfires following the method of "drown, stir, feel for heat, and repeat".
