DUBOIS, Wyo. — Much like the similarly sized and persistent Elk Fire, western Wyoming’s Pack Trail Fire is entering its final stages of existence. While helicopters backhaul now-unnecessary equipment out of the area, ground crews are completing suppression repair around the fire’s perimeter.
According to the Bridger-Teton National Forest’s most recent Facebook update, crews on every flank, assisted by the weather, are putting the finishing touches on their suppression work. This includes cold trailing and improving confinement lines.
On the fire’s east flank, crews are even disassembling structure protection equipment alongside U.S. Highway 26, the continental divide route between Dubois and Moran. Helicopters deeper into fire territory are likewise moving out extra resources.
The recent success can be partially attributed to weather, which has been increasingly wet and seasonable in the past few days. Regardless, Teton Interagency Fire managers are maintaining the established fire danger status of “Very High.”
All previously established orders regarding drone-flying, campfires and forest and road closures also remain in effect.
Evacuation orders, on the other hand, are easing up. Aside from the following locations, evacuation orders for all affected areas are completely rescinded. The below areas are now in the “ready” evacuation stage:
- The Union Pass subdivsion
- Lava Mountain Lodge
- Triangle C Ranch
- Old Mackenzie Ranch
While legal orders can quickly change back to normalcy, ecosystems cannot so easily. The Pack Trail fire has burned up to 89,921 acres and is still only 70% contained. It reached its fiery hand into some of the most rugged and natural landscapes this state has to offer, even affecting a National Elk Refuge.
To keep up with the efforts of the crews trying to limit this ongoing destruction as much as possible, see the Bridger-Teton National Forest Facebook page.