Single Publication

Fire Location: 11 miles west of Wapiti, WY
Size: 1,878 acres
Containment: 40%
Personnel: 142
Start Date: 7/19/24
Cause: Lightning
Incident Commander (IC): Ron Steffens, Wyoming Type 3 Team

Summary
Fire behavior was minimal on Friday, with no known spread reported. Higher humidity and showers are likely in the next 24–36 hour period and will moderate fire spread. Due to heavy fuels in steep, inaccessible terrain, the fire is likely to burn and smolder for some time even if cooler temperatures and additional precipitation continue.     

In the Elk Fork drainage, crews are constructing contingency lines south in the Elk Fork drainage.    

A USFS law enforcement officer continues to monitor traffic on Highway 14 to ensure drivers are traveling at a safe speed and watching for fire crews working near or on roadway.   

Closures
Elk Fork Campground is closed indefinitely.  Wapiti Campground and Clearwater Campground are closed until fire conditions allow otherwise. A road and trail closure are in effect at NFS Road #424, Elk Fork Road and NFS Trail # 760, Elk Fork Trail.  Click here to view the closure order (#021404-24-03). For safety reasons, the public is asked to respect closed campgrounds and trails. See photo link below of fire vehicles staged in the Elk Fork Campground.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect until  August 19, 2024.    

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior
Thunderstorms with variable and gusty winds are expected today which could produce outflow winds that may affect fire behavior and growth. 

Important Information
The Clearwater fire has not been the only fire contributing to smoke in the air.  Fire activity remains high throughout the western U.S. and Canada, continuing to be a widespread influence on air quality.  Use the Air Now link to check current conditions. 

Managing the risk to responders and ensuring public safety remain the highest priorities for the incident management team.  

The Shoshone National Forest implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions due to very dry conditions of fuels and continued hot, dry weather.  Click here to view a copy of Stage 1 Fire Restrictions order (#02-14-04-24-04).  

Fire History
The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the vicinity of the Elk Fork drainage. The location of the fire is in very steep and remote terrain that makes direct attack on the fire very difficult for firefighter access and safety. The fire is burning on steep slopes in conifer forest, brush, and dead and down logs.  The fire was caused from lightning.  

Photos

• Members of the Horseshoe Meadow fire crew hike in on Friday, August 8 to improve fireline from the UXU Ranch to the June Fire (2017) fire scar.
   
• Fire equipment and crews are using the Elk Fork Campground to access the fire area for putting in handlines and conduct other fire operations.