WAPITI, Wyo. — The Clearwater Fire, burning off of US14 near Yellowstone National Park’s east entrance, is growing, but officials are predicting favorable firefighting conditions.
The Clearwater Fire, located in the Elk Fork Canyon 11 miles west of Wapiti in the Shoshone National Forest, had reached 1,878 acres as of the morning of Friday, Aug. 9, according to the Park County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). That number was up from the 1,805 acres reported Wednesday, Aug. 7.
The fire started July 19 from a lightning strike. Containment of the blaze has dropped slightly from the 11% reported Wednesday to 10%, but the forecast is for good firefighting weather that may up that number.
“Cooler and potential wet weather is predicted, giving firefighters the opportunity to make progress on the fire,” a statement on PSCO’s Facebook page said. “They will use this weather window to secure lines and spots fires, as well as scout for direct line opportunities or natural barriers to use for containing fire spread where possible.”
Visitors are warned not to enter closed campgrounds or trail areas for their own safety and the safety of firefighters. Closed areas include the Elk Fork, Wapiti and Clearwater Campgrounds as well as NFS Road 424, Elk Fork Road and Elk Fork Trail.
Fire engines are monitoring US 4 in this area to watch for fire threatening the highway, which leads to Yellowstone’s east entrance. Drivers along this route are encouraged to keep a safe speed.
