Clearwater (WYSHF)

Wildfire Status:

The Clearwater Fire, which ignited on July 19, 2024, due to lightning, is currently active and has burned approximately 1,966 acres in the Elk Fork drainage area, located 11 miles west of Wapiti, Wyoming. Despite efforts to control the fire, it continues to smolder in steep, inaccessible terrain characterized by heavy fuels, including timber, brush, and dead logs. As of now, 93% of the fire's perimeter is contained, and minimal fire behavior has been reported. The estimated containment date is set for October 15, 2024, although the fire is expected to remain active for some time due to the challenging conditions.

Fire agencies have lifted all closures in the area, and current firefighting efforts focus on patrolling the highway corridor and conducting suppression repair work. The current situation involves only one personnel on-site, indicating a shift towards monitoring and maintenance rather than active firefighting. While there have been no significant changes in fire activity, air quality remains a concern due to widespread smoke from ongoing fires across the western U.S. and Canada.

Weather conditions in the region are dry and warm, which poses a challenge to fire containment efforts. Although cooler temperatures and precipitation would typically aid in controlling wildfires, the heavy fuels present in the Clearwater Fire area suggest that the fire may persist even with favorable weather. Fire officials advise monitoring air quality through resources like the Air Now link for up-to-date information on smoke and health advisories.

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

Containment History:

Fire Growth History: