JACKSON, Wyo. — The corridor of US 26/287 between mileposts 30 and 35 on Togwotee Pass is under notice to prepare for evacuation as the nearby Fish Creek Fire continues to spread.
The fire, burning in the Fish Creek drainage about seven miles southwest of Togwotee Pass in the Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF), has been growing rapidly, reaching 6,100 acres by the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 21, nearly tripling its size in two days. The lightning-caused fire was first spotted on Friday, Aug. 16 on five acres, a figure that had ballooned to 2,250 by Monday and 3,207 acres by Tuesday.
Strong winds have spurred the growth of the fire, which is growing on its northeast side, according to BTNF.
Fremont County is warning residents and visitors located north of the fire to be “set” to evacuate, on a scale of “ready, set, go.” Affected areas include:
- Brooks Lake Rd., including Brooks Lake Lodge
- All homes and dwellings on West Pinnacle Dr.
- All homes and dwellings on East Pinnacle Dr.
- All homes and dwellings on Pinnacle Ln.
- All homes and dwellings on Breccia Dr.
“This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or if choosing to remain, be ready to evacuate at a moment’s notice,” Deputy Fremont County Fire Warden, Ron Wempen, said in a statement.
The high winds and dry conditions that are expected in the area for the rest of the week could spur more fire growth, BTNF warned in a release.
