Clearwater (WYSHF)

Wildfire Status:

The Clearwater Fire, which began on July 19, 2024, caused by lightning, is currently burning in steep and inaccessible terrain near Elk Fork drainage, Wyoming. As of the latest update, the fire has reached 1,966 acres and is approximately 91% contained. Despite the high percentage of containment, the fire is expected to continue burning and smoldering due to the presence of heavy fuel sources, including conifer forests, brush, and dead logs. Significant fire behavior has been minimal, but the dense fuels in the area mean that smoke will persist for some time.

Fire agencies have transitioned the management of the Clearwater Fire back to local leadership, specifically a Type 4 incident team. Currently, around 20 personnel are engaged in ongoing suppression and repair efforts, focusing on mitigating the impact of previous firefighting activities. Firefighters are actively patrolling the highway corridor and conducting suppression repair work to restore the area affected by the fire response.

Weather conditions are crucial to the fire's behavior, with cooler temperatures and potential precipitation aiding in containment efforts. However, the rugged terrain complicates access and increases the likelihood of continued smoldering in the fuel-rich environment. All closures related to the fire have been lifted, allowing for public access to the area, although caution is still advised due to ongoing fire activity. As air quality remains a concern due to widespread smoke across the western U.S. and Canada, residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor local air quality reports for updates.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

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