UPDATE: BTNF updated its size estimate for the Willow Creek Fire around 3 p.m. following an aerial reconnaissance mission. Its new size is 1,700 acres.
JACKSON, Wyo. — Wildfires on Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) are growing significantly in warm, dry conditions. BTNF issued fire updates for both the Dollar Lake Fire and the Willow Creek Fire on Saturday, Aug. 23.
The Dollar Lake Fire is estimated to be 8,660 acres in size and 0% contained near Green River Lakes on the Pinedale Ranger District. Wind conditions are “expected to contribute to rapid and high-intensity fire spread to the east,” per BTNF. “The fire is expected to enter Bridger Wilderness across the western boundary.” The blaze now has a dedicated entry on InciWeb.
Evacuations have been ordered around Dollar Lake, which are being shared via the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. As of noon on Saturday, anyone in a five-mile radius around Dollar Lake has been ordered to evacuate, including Red Cliff Bible Camp in Cora. Those in the Kendall Valley area are instructed to be in “ready” mode and to monitor fire activity today (using the “Ready, Set, Go” scale).
The Willow Creek Fire also exhibited growth overnight, “growing from 30 acres to 250 in a matter of hours” on the Greys River Ranger District near Smoot, BTNF said. Helicopters have delivered more firefighters into the area as of Saturday morning. A Type 3 Incident Management Team has been ordered to take control of this fire response within the next 48 hours due to “increased fire activity throughout the region drawing down local resources,” BTNF said.
Smoke impacts are anticipated along the US89 corridor. Keep an eye on AirNow.Gov for more on air quality information.
