Three Wildfires Now Burning In Wyoming

Wednesday’s wildfire suppression activities on the Russell’s Camp Fire and Fontenelle Fires got a bit of bad news when a new fire to was reported along the Wyoming / Montana boarder - The Index Creek Fire.

Here is an update on each of the three: 

Index Creek Fire - Wyoming / Montana border along HWY 212

The Index Creek Fire is burning on the Clarks Fork Ranger District about a mile south of the Montana border off Highway 212. As of this morning the fire was approximately 100 acres in size burning in heavy timber. One hotshot crew, three engines, and two helicopters are working to suppress the fire and additional firefighting resources have been ordered. Tim Haas is currently incident commander. A Type III team will be arriving to take over management of the fire tomorrow.

Today's weather is expected to be hotter and drier than yesterday with wind gusts to 25 miles per hour, so smoke will be visible throughout the day.

Fox Creek Campground is closed to the public. Currently, the section of road between Fox Creek Campground and Index Creek is open but that could change based on weather and fire behavior. Travelers are asked to drive with extreme caution. For public and firefighter safety drivers are asked to slow down and not stop as they drive through the area.

The fire was caused by a downed power line and was reported Tuesday, June 26.

Total Personnel - 50

Size - 100 acres

Containment - None

Fontenelle Fire - 33 miles NW of LaBarge, WY

The Fontenelle Fire is burning in Lincoln and Sublette County, Wyoming approximately 33-miles northwest of the community of LaBarge, Wyoming on the Kemmerer and Big Piney Ranger Districts of the Bridger-Teton National Forest. The LaBarge Creek road and the Thompson Pass Road (Snider Basin Road) have been closed. The fire is burning in heavy dead and down timber and being managed under the direction of the Bridger-Teton National Forest by a Type 2 Incident Management Team.

Total Personnel - 118

Size - 17,000 acres

Containment - None

Russell's Camp Fire -  32 miles south of Glenrock, WY

This fire started Sunday, June 17th and firefighters are hoping to get this fire completely contained by this weekend.

Firefighters were reminded of their L.C.E.S. (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones) education. Crews were reminded to remain alert and focused as hazards still exist. Firefighters still face challenges of snag trees, steep and rocky terrain, as well as dehydration concerns.

Today's weather will continue to challenge containment lines.

Total Personnel - 605

Size - 5,466 acres

Containment - 60%