CHEYENNE, Wyo. — On Monday, Aug. 25, Governor Mark Gordon issued an Executive Order declaring an emergency to support wildfire response to the Dollar Lake Fire in the Green River Lakes area in Sublette County.
According to the Governor’s Office, the declaration allows the state to access Wyoming National Guard resources, including a medevac helicopter, and directs the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to take action to coordinate state and federal resources in response to the wildfires.
As of Monday at 1:45 p.m., Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) reported that the Dollar Lake Fire expanded to 11,510 acres, with 0% containment. The BTNF issued a closure order for the Dollar Lake Fire area, which encompasses the forest east and south of Green River, above its junction with the Union Pass Road. The closure is scheduled to be lifted Oct. 22 at 6 p.m. Detailed information on the Dollar Lake Fire can be found on the fire’s InciWeb page.
In addition to the Dollar Lake Fire, the Willow Creek Fire has burned more than 3,800 acres, with 0% containment. The fire has resulted in evacuations and the temporary closure of Highway 89.
On Aug. 18, Governor Mark Gordon also issued an Executive Order declaring an emergency in response to the Red Canyon Fire, the Spring Creek Fire near Ten Sleep and the Sleeper Ranch Fire near Meeteetse. The Sleeper Ranch Fire has burned more than 20,000 acres.
The Red Canyon Fire on the Wind River/Bighorn Basin District has burned more than 124,000 acres and is at 75% containment, as of Monday. Suppression efforts continues on that fire, which was ignited by lightning on August 13, per the Governor’s Office.
Wildfire danger status, alerts as well as road and trail closure information for both the Dollar Lake and Willow Creek fires is available on the BTNF website. The Wyoming Department of Transportation has shared updated information on road closures on the Wyoming 511 website.
A list of wildfire resources for those impacted by wildfire can be found here. A web page has been created for those either seeking or offering emergency hay assistance. In addition, the Wyoming Grants Management Office has information on Wildfire Recovery, Response and Preparedness Funding Opportunities. For more information on Wildfire Funding and Recovery opportunities, email sbd-grants@wyo.gov.
