Lava Mountain Fire northwest of Dubois, Wyoming

Lava Mountain Fire
Lava Mountain Fire July 18, 2016 InciWeb

In the first 13 days since starting from a lightning strike, the Lava Mountain Fire 12 miles northwest of Dubois, Wyoming had been steadily growing, but generally not at a rapid pace. That began to change on Sunday when the rate of spread picked up significantly and it added an additional 1,200 acres for a total of 5,488 acres. On Monday it added at least that much again and according to our very rough, unofficial estimate had burned approximately 7,000 acres by 3 p.m. on Monday.

Most of the recent growth is on the south and southeast sides.

map Lava Mountain Fire
The red dots represent heat detected on the Lava Mountain Fire by a satellite at 3:01 p.m. MDT July 25, 2016. The red line was the fire perimeter mapped by an infrared aircraft at 11 p.m. MDT July 24, 2016. Click to enlarge.

Currently, the south flank of the fire is pushing east and hooking around near the Sand Butte area. According to information released by the incident management team on July 25, “If the direction of spread continues, the fire will be lined up to be pushed by the wind towards the Union Pass road. For these reasons the following areas are in stage “GO” and should evacuate immediately: Union Pass, Warm Springs, Porcupine, and Hat Butte.”

The weather forecast for the fire area calls for strong winds Monday night, but slowing on Tuesday and Wednesday to come out of the west and southwest at 6 to 13 mph. The temperatures will be in the high 70’s and relative humidity in the teens through Wednesday.

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

11 thoughts on “Lava Mountain Fire northwest of Dubois, Wyoming”

  1. The fire was burning down the road from the cabins my family and I were staying in for a vacation.. I hope no one was injured or killed in the fire

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  2. Had to run to town before noon. Pulled into Walmart parking lot and there were 5-6 Payson Hotshot trucks there. Got to talk to one of the ladies, sitting on the step/running board of the truck. Asked her if “they were coming or going?”. Said they had just left the “Lava Mt” fire. Just want to give a BIG SHOUT OUT AND SAY THANK YOU for all the hard work your team does. Wyoming has been hit hard this year with fires. It takes a lot of caring and will power to do what you do. Thank you from Wyoming. God bless and watch over each and everyone of you.

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  3. Our son is hiking on the Continental Divide Trail with several friends — will they
    be able to get around the fire. Thank you for your help with this and hope all the firefighters and others will be safe.

    Carol and Bob

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  4. My son is a new firefighter at that fire. Asking the angels to watch over them all.

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  5. My dad Justin Hill is fighting that fire. I am praying that him and all the fire fighters will be safe

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    1. The fire is burning away from Dubois. Go to Inciweb Lava Mountain Fire for updates and a phone number to call for fire information.

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