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Last updated: 2024-07-30
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The type of incident is Wildfire and involves the following unit(s) Shoshone National Forest.
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State: Wyoming
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Coordinates:
Latitude: 44° 26 85 Longitude: 109° 40 4
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NOTE: All fire perimeters and points are approximations.
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Incident Overview: The Clearwater Fire started on Friday, July 19th, 2024, in the early afternoon. The fire is located on a ridge line between the Elk Fork and June Creek drainages, approximately 1-mile south of Clearwater Campground. The location of the fire is very difficult to reach, and plans are being developed to suppress the fire. The fire cause was from lightning.A fire run occurred from more than a mile up within Elk Fork canyon out to the Highway 14/16/20 corridor, whereby the Elk Fork campground, Wapiti campground, Wapiti Ranger Station, and Pagoda Summer Homes were evacuated in a multi-agency approach. With firefighting operations and smoke on the highway, the Highway Patrol temporarily closed the highway from the East Entrance to near Wapiti, with WYDOT delivering electronic signs for smoke and safety warnings, and an ambulance was staffed on site for public and firefighter safety. A small burnout was conducted from Elk Fork to the west for ¼ mile. No structures were lost, and firefighters were able to protect vehicles left at the corrals in Elk Fork. No fire crossed the highway to the north, and no spread likely occurred south up the Elk Fork drainage due to prevailing winds. Pumps were run in the Pagoda summer homes to raise humidity and wet fuels. One engine was left staffed to patrol the highway over night. The highway was reopened completely near midnight. The fire is estimated to be over 1,000 acres. Closures: A road and trail closure is 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. More information n can be found: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/shoshone/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5175892