Update Sept. 11 5:30 p.m.:
Residents who had to evacuate from the Fish Creek Fire can return to their homes, though the Fremont County Sheriff's office warns to remain ready to leave again at any time.
The Brooks Lake, Pinnacle and Breccia areas are now at a Level 2 notice, which means residents are advised to monitor the situation, as there is still the possibility evacuations may once again be ordered if conditions worsen.
Highway 26/287 over Togwotee Pass is open once more to traffic but due to smoke and limited visibility, the speed limit has been reduced.
Half a dozen new fires have sparked in the north-central area but most have been contained. The 1,600 acre West Warm Springs Fire is burning southeast of Thermopolis and the 100 acre Hazelton Fire is burning in difficult terrain southeast of Ten Sleep.
With the fires in the northeast all at least 90 percent contained, the Wyoming Livestock Board has removed its emergency order for evacuating livestock. All animals moved will need a brand inspection before returning home.
There’s a Red Flag Warning in effect for Thursday afternoon and evening. Low humidities and strong gusty winds could cause erratic fire behavior.
Firefighters continue to get their arms around the six large wildfires in the state, even as new blazes spark.
Fish Creek Fire
West of Dubois, Highway 26/287 over Togwotee Pass is open once more to traffic, although visibility remains limited and firefighters may still be working near the road.
Crews on the Fish Creek Fire have been working overnight to complete about 70 percent of the protection work they want to do at cabins in the area and roads. Fremont County residents of the Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive areas remain under an evacuation notice.
Air quality reached unhealthy levels in many areas of Teton County due to smoke from the fire.
Several monitoring sites in Grand Teton National Park on Monday recorded the worst air quality since the fire began last month. It’s recommended people limit their outdoor activities.
In Jackson, air quality was better but still unhealthy for sensitive groups like those with heart and lung conditions.
The lightning-caused fire has burned nearly 25,000 acres and continues to grow as fire crews work to protect nearby structures. Wetter, cooler weather conditions are expected to reduce fire activity.
Northeast fires
In the northeast, the Type 1 team that’s been overseeing the House Draw and nearby fires returned management back to county crews on Saturday. Those five fires are each about 90 percent contained.
New burn
The lightning-started West Warm Springs Fire is burning southeast of Thermopolis on public, private and state lands. County and federal crews hit it from the ground and air on Monday and Tuesday. It’s currently estimated at 2,000 acres with no containment, but more accurate mapping was expected to happen Tuesday.
Fire managers ask folks to be careful while recreating this fall – even driving or parking on dry grass could ignite new fires that have the potential to grow quickly.
