Fish Creek/Pack Trail Fire update – Oct. 5, 2024
by Teton Interagency Fire
October 5, 2024
Update, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:00PM: Due to extreme wind gusts up to 60 mph, the Pack Trail fire saw significant growth today running 4 miles along the south side of the Purdy Fire scar. Teton County Emergency Services has placed the Upper Gros Ventre area (Goosewing and Elk Track Ranches) into a Level 2 "Set" evacuation warning. Crews continue to strengthen containment features on the 532 and 540 Roads. Night operations have been established to continue structure preparation east of US-26 with hose lays, portable water tanks and sprinklers.
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Morning report: Overnight the Pack Trail Fire and Fish Creek Fires merged along Bull Creek. The incident will now be managed under one name, the Pack Trail Fire.
Combined Pack Trail/Fish Creek Fires: Total Acres: 48,640, Total Personnel: 444
Weather: The Red Flag Warning issued yesterday remains in effect through 9:00 p.m. tonight. Wind gusts could exceed 50 mph. Overnight winds were measured at 46mph on the ridgetops and 24 in the valleys. Wind is expected to taper off at 9:00 this morning but will remain in the 30mph range on the ridges. Low humidities, warmer temperatures, and strong, gusty winds remain in play and will continue to influence fire behavior. Winds are expected to shift from the west today which could bring certain parts of the fire into alignment with terrain. Residents and travelers are urged to monitor fire and emergency management announcements closely.
Operations: The Fish Creek fire’s footprint experienced some expansion on the south side overnight, coming down to meet the Pack Trail fire along Bull Creek. On the Pack Trail footprint there was some movement down off the rim of the Lava Mountain escarpment, but it remains above the 540 road as of this morning. On the south side it continued to burn into the Purdy and Lava Mountain burn scars with the most growth from Hackamore Creek to along the north side of Coyote Creek. Firefighters continued work on the shaded fuel break up the 540 road and are nearing a meeting with crews coming down from the north near Pellham Lake. Structure protection has completed preparations on the US-26 corridor and continue work up towards Pinnacle and Brooks Lake. Hotshot crews in Trout Creek area have started fire line construction between the Lava Mountain and the Purdy fire burn scars, taking advantage of terrain and an existing road.
Safety: Drivers on US-26 may experience periods of smoke today due to high winds. Please use caution while driving, use headlights, and expect to encounter fire vehicles along the road. If planning travel on US-26 across the Continental Divide monitor WY-DOT for possible closures due to fire activity. Teton Interagency Fire managers are maintaining the Very High Fire Danger Rating for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. This means fires can start easily from most causes and may spread rapidly, becoming large fires and exhibiting extreme fire intensity, Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fire or possible ignition sources, including campfires.
Forest Closures: Closure Order #04-03-24-314 is in effect from October 1 through October 15, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-313, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area. Access the closure order and map on InciWeb.
Evacuations: Evacuations and evacuation alerts for several subdivisions and ranches in Fremont County, WY remain in place. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Fackbook Page for alerts and current status.
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