The lightning-caused Fish Creek Fire has burned nearly 8,000 acres of Wyoming’s Bridger-Teton National Forest and triggered pre-evacuation notices as of Thursday morning. The wildfire’s total acreage has nearly quadrupled since Monday.
Officials first reported the fire on Aug. 17 at just five acres, but quickly ballooned to 2,250 acres on Monday. USFS officials blame high winds for the spread, and warn the fire may grow even more.
“Fire managers are expecting significant growth again on the Fish Creek Fire [Thursday] afternoon with increased winds and warmer temperatures,” the national forest’s Facebook account posted. “The fires increased growth continues to produce heavy, dense smoke creating limited visibility on US HWY 26/287. Please drive slowly and cautiously in the area with your headlights on.”
Fire danger rating for the national forest and the nearby Grand Teton National Park has been listed as “High” since July 9. A CIMT was ordered and will provide command-and-control infrastructure.
- Clearwater Fire – Burned 1,966 acres since July 19 and sits at 75% containment.
- Leeds Creek Fire – Burned 780 acres and sits at 70% containment.
- Merna Butte Fire – Burned 153 acres and sits at 50% containment.
- Cottonwood Creek Fire – Burned seven acres and sits at 0% containment. It is burning six miles southwest of the Fish Creek Fire.
