The Park County Sheriff’s Office is giving an update on the wildfire that started on July 19th after a lightning strike.
Dubbed the “Clearwater Fire,” located 11 miles west of Wapiti, the fire has consumed 138 acres and has 0% containment.
Currently, there are 94 people who are monitoring the fire which is still in a remote part of Park County, located on a ridge line between the Elk Fork and June Creek drainages, approximately one mile south of Clearwater Campground.
The location of the fire is very difficult to reach, according to the PCSO’s Facebook page.
So far, only one road and trail closure has been implemented at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail. The purpose of this order is to protect human health and safety from the Clearwater fire.
Last week, officials were concerned with the winds picking up as well as chances of more thunderheads that could produce lightning and ground strikes, but that weather system has moved passed.
“The fire is burning through timber, brush and thick, dead and down fuels on steep slopes also along the ridge line with isolated torching. Near critical fire weather with a red flag warning, low humidity and gusty winds are forecasted,” so says Incident Commander Jon Warder.
Right now, the goal is mitigation; or focusing on reducing fuels near lodges and summer homes in the Shoshone National Forest. Crews have begun fuels reduction around the structures and installation of protection equipment at the Bill Cody Ranch. Thinning and sprinkler system installation has also begun around the Wapiti Ranger Station.
“Additionally, crews are constructing handline in timber stringers in Elk Fork drainage to prevent further spread to the East. A Type 1 helicopter will utilize water drops to support containment in the Elk Fork,” according to Warder. Personnel as well as land and property owners have been engaged in identifying and recommending evacuations if needed, and suppression actions to take near structures if needed.
Risk to responders and public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team. While the Clearwater fire has not been putting much smoke into the air, smoke from fires in Canada as well as Idaho and the Northwest have been a steady influence across the area for many days. Use the link above for ‘AirNow’ to check current conditions and try to plan your outdoor activities when air quality is at a tolerable level. There are no fire restrictions in place on the Shoshone National Forest, however as a reminder this is the time of year to be vigilant about possible ignition sources. When dousing a campfire, ‘drown, stir, feel for heat, and repeat’ is the preferred method.
