Wyoming’s AFTON (SVINews.com)According to fire officials on the site, the Willow Creek Fire is pushing almost 4,000 acres as it enters its third day with zero percent containment.
Due to dry fuel and windy weather, the fire rapidly expanded after it was first reported late Friday morning south of Afton, Wyoming.
The fire was still 3,820 acres in size as of Sunday morning’s most recent report.
Firefighters were successful in stopping the fire from leaping Highway 89 on Saturday night, according to Justin Laycock, a Greys River District Ranger of the Bridger-Teton National Forest.
Dan Dockstader, who was on the scene on Saturday night, reported live on the radio that the fires burned up next to the highway at the top of the South End, with big embers falling down the east side of the road. But as they fell, firefighters were able to rapidly put them out.
Evacuations Notices
No homes are in imminent danger from the fire, but Laycock said evacuations are still in place in the area as a precaution.
There is a readiness order for homeowners west of Highway 89 from Reeves-Schwab Lane South to Gomms Pond in Smoot, and an evacuation order for residents south of Gomms Pond on Highway 89.
Lincoln County Emergency Management has set up a shelter at the National Guard Readiness Center in Afton.
Road Closures
U.S. 89 was once again available to traffic in both directions as of Sunday. From milepost 64 to 72, the route was briefly stopped on Saturday night around 6:53 p.m.
Later that night, this closure was extended from milepost 55.3 to 76. This was done for the workers’ safety on the scene as well as because of the way the fire behaved and the effects of the smoke. At 1:20 a.m., the road block was lifted.
Officials from the Wyoming Department of Transportation have issued information warning all travelers to exercise caution due to the presence of fire trucks and equipment in the area, as well as the potential effects of smoke.
In order to prevent traffic jams and safety risks for emergency services, drivers are advised not to stop or park on the side of the road to observe fire operations.
Officials from the Wyoming Department of Transportation said that although every effort will be made to keep the travel corridor open, if the fire is close to the road and presents a safety risk to firefighters or onlookers, more temporary closures might be required.
Sunday Operations
Even though the fire continued to burn fiercely into the evening, firefighters’ firing efforts were crucial in containing it west of the highway.
They received airplane assistance in the form of retardant drops.
Retaining the fire west of Highway 89 and minimizing damage to private property will be the main goals for today (Sunday).
Around a WyoLink communications installation, crews will do protection prep work and structure assessments. A crew of smokejumpers, a 20-person hand crew, 12 engines, a dozer, numerous helicopters, and fixed win aircraft are among the current staff and equipment. More resources are being ordered.
At noon today, a Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) from Nevada will brief local personnel. On Sunday night, Neva Team 2, under the leadership of Incident Command Brian Kitchen, will assume command. With the IMT in place, local resources will be able to respond to any new fire starts and address other local fires.
