JACKSON, Wyo. — The pair of nearby wildland fires saw no growth and an increase in containment over the past few rainy days, according to Friday morning updates by Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) and fire incident managers.
The Dollar Lake Fire is still 13,449 acres in size, unchanged since Tuesday. The fire is now 22% contained, an increase from the 10% containment reported yesterday. According to BTNF, containment progress has been made on the western and northern sides of the fire. Along the fire’s other edges, crews are working to secure containment lines along roads and natural features, and to defend structures including Red Cliff Bible Camp. Tomorrow, command of the fire response will change hands from Sierra Front/Nevada Team 5 to Wyoming Team 2, a type 3 incident management team.
“Friday will see slightly higher winds out of the northwest, with humidity dropping much lower than recent days into the 30 percent range,” incident managers forecasted. “Very similar conditions are expected Saturday, though with temperatures a little warmer and humidity slightly lower. This warming and drying trend is expected to continue into early next week.”
Similarly, the Willow Creek Fire remains 4,356 acres in size, and containment has increased to 23%, up from the 17% reported yesterday. BTNF reports that crews have focused on the fire’s eastern edge, strengthening its perimeter heading north and continuing structural protection efforts. Firefighters have gained better access to the fire’s northern perimeter.
“Generally, conditions will start to clear and will become warm and dry by the end of the weekend,” the update reads. “With the rain and clouds clearing, smoke from the fire will become more visible with an increase in fire behavior.”
Evacuation orders, closures and fire restrictions remain unchanged.
Those near the Willow Creek Fire can attend a community meeting with fire managers tonight at 7 p.m. at the Afton Civic Center (150 Washington Street). The meeting will also be livestreamed on the BTNF Facebook page.
