DUBOIS, Wyo. — Now at a sizable 89,000 acres with only 62% of the perimeter contained, the Pack Trail Fire burns west of Dubois and east of Jackson in the western portion of the state. However, while fire managers are keeping in place fire restrictions and a very high fire danger rating, some upcoming showers may aid firefighting efforts.
The 618-strong crew continues operations on nearly all sides of the fire as it burns in the Wind River Range. According to the newest update from the Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page, crews on the fire’s east side are continuing efforts to improve defensible areas near structures. To the north, crews are cleaning up from a previous operation.
Flames are ongoing on the west side in particular, where dry timbers allow unimpeded growth. However, on the fire’s south side, where it meets lower-lying meadows, the flames struggle to make ground. The naturally moist meadows are therefore currently slowing the fire down somewhat on that end.
While crews make progress, the local authorities are maintaining the current danger levels for the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Shoshone National Forest and nearby National Elk Refuge. It is advised that residents and visitors approach fire-making with extreme caution and keep their flames far away from any flammable material. Nearby commuters should also continue to expect heavy fire vehicle traffic on every side of the fire.
Additionally, the park warns commuters planning on traveling U.S. Highway 26 to make sure that the road is open when they plan on making their journey.
Another new development is that crews will cease working overnight. This is due to the potential for roads icing over as winter weather approaches.
In the most recent Bridger-Teton National Forest release, the forest said it expects moderate rain and snowfall over the next two days. Temperatures today are already significantly lower than before, with a low of 37 degrees and a high of 47. Humidity also fell somewhere between 40% and 60%.
Currently, no evacuation order levels have been elevated, but some have been reduced. Additionally, many road closures remain in effect. To see if a certain area remains closed off or if you should expect to evacuate, please see the Bridger-Teton National Forest’s Facebook page.
