The Clearwater Fire started with a lightning strike on Friday, July 19th, 2024 in the vicinity of the Elk Fork drainage, and continues to burn, albeit slowly, toward the south and west of the Shoshone National Forest.
Because the wildfire is consuming trees, shrubs, underbrush, and other fuel in very steep and remote terrain, over 100 firefighters are standing by, monitoring the direction and intensity of the flames, according to the latest report on the Park County Sheriff Office’s Facebook page.
The remoteness of the Clearwater Fire makes a direct attack very difficult, but also riskier for emergency personnel to fight the blaze.
To ensure that the wildfire doesn’t intersect with the highway on the way to Yellowstone National Park’s East Gate, “firefighters are continuing to conduct burnout operations in the Highway 14 corridor near the Clearwater campground to keep the fire from crossing north of the highway. A drone was used in conjunction with hand firing to secure this edge of the fire,” so says Incident Commander Jon Warder.
Helicopter buckets have also been brought in to slow spread of fire to the west and within the Elk Fork drainage. Saturday, crews continued to hold fire south of Highway 14 near Clearwater campground and began constructing a fire line near the UXU ranch to limit fire spread further west from this drainage.
“Traffic safety in the highway corridor remains of utmost concern for the public and firefighters,” added Warder.
With reduced fire activity in the Elk Fork drainage, the Park County Sheriff rescinded closures on the Big Game Campground and the Pagoda Summer Home group.
Closures have affected a number of campgrounds around the area.
Elk Fork Campground is closed indefinitely. Wapiti Campground, and Clearwater Campground are closed until fire conditions allow otherwise. These closures provide public safety and increased access for fire resources. A road and trail closure are in effect 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.
Weather is always a factor with wildfires, and the Clearwater Fire is no different, according to the Incident Commander. So far this weekend, the daytime temps have been hot, humidity has been low. But there is a chance of moisture next week.
“Risk to responders and public safety remain the highest priority for the incident management team,” states Incident Commander Warder.
The Clearwater Fire has not been the only fire contributing to the smoke in 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.
The Shoshone National Forest has also implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions, due to the very dry conditions of fuels and the likely continued hot and dry weather. A copy of the order can be found here.
