JACKSON, Wyo. — Two major wildland fires burning on Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), the Dollar Lake Fire and the Willow Creek Fire, saw improved containment over the weekend. Evacuation orders have not changed.
BTNF said in a Monday Facebook post that the Dollar Lake Fire is currently 19,087 acres and at 39% containment. Crews had success over the weekend adding containment lines in two areas: the southwestern end of the fire and along the Green River Lakes campground. Firefighters also made progress on strategic firing operations between Little Sheep Mountain and Big Sheep Mountain. Firing operations — when crews use controlled tactics to burn vegetation ahead of an approaching wildfire — were expected to continue Monday, and could possibly increase fire activity and smoke in the area.
“Today, the Wilderness Group will continue assessing fuel moistures and any fire progression in the wilderness,” the Facebook post reads. “Crews will continue to add depth to mop up efforts around the wildlife feedground and outfitter camp.”
In a separate Monday update, BTNF stated that the Willow Creek Fire is holding at 4,066 acres, and containment jumped to 73% over the weekend, up from 43% on Thursday. On Sunday, a Wyoming team took over command of the fire, which had been managed by a Nevada team since the last week of August. Firefighters planned to continue tying in all remaining edges of the fire on Monday, clearing trees that could pose a threat to fire lines.
“Roads and dozer lines used during firefighting operations are being rehabilitated,” reads the Willow Creek Fire update. “Helicopters are available to deliver water where needed to extinguish hot spots and to assist with removal of supplies from the fire area.”
Beginning on Tuesday, there is a chance for rain over several days. Strong winds are expected on Wednesday. Smoke from wildfires in the Pacific Northwest and Canada could continue to impact the area.
Keep an eye on fire activity on InciWeb.
