JACKSON, Wyo. — Despite an influx of monsoonal moisture in western Wyoming on Wednesday, this rain might not solve every local wildfire woe, though it might help.
The Dollar Lake Fire continues to burn on 13,449 acres near the Green River Lakes area on the Pinedale Ranger District of Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF). BTNF reported in its Wednesday morning fire update that the fire is 8% contained, an improvement from yesterday’s report of 0% containment.
“Today’s weather will briefly increase fuel moistures, which will lead to fire behavior decreasing,” BTNF’s update reads. “However, fuels will continue to smolder and burn; the rain will not put the fire out. Areas on the west and south sides of the fire are prepped and ready for burnout operations if conditions become favorable.”
The cooler weather and increasing humidity have allowed firefighters to focus on problem areas on the fire’s south and east edges, per BTNF. Structure protection crews have secured campgrounds, outfitter camps and the Red Cliff Bible Camp, along with setting up sprinkler lays, wrapping buildings and removing risky tree limbs and brush.
Continuing rain and elevated humidity are expected Thursday. BTNF forecasts a total of 0.75 to 1.25 inches over the fire, with variations in accumulations expected.
“Gusty outflow winds and lightning are still a threat,” the update reads. “Rain chances decrease by the weekend with warmer and drier conditions building back in.”
Evacuation orders, closures and fire restrictions remain unchanged.
