According to the latest update on Monday provided by officials battling the Willow Creek Fire south of Smoot, wetter conditions and cooler temperatures are expected to aid in the effort. 

No increase in burning acreage was reported with the total of the fire still standing at 3,820 acres at zero percent containment. 

Isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop on Monday afternoon but with just a ten-percent chance of “wetting rain.” Winds are expected to be light and moderate except in a rain shower or thunderstorm develops. 

The chances for rain is expected to increase as the week progresses. Showers and thunderstorms are expected on Tuesday afternoon with an 80-percent chance according to the National Weather Service. Showers and thunderstorms are also a possibility on Tuesday night with a 100-percent chance now being forecast for Wednesday. Showers are expected to continue with a likelyhood of at least 50-percent through Friday. Temperaturees are also expected to be in the low 70s or upper 60’s until the weekend. 

On Monday, the fire remained active according to the most recent reports with firefighters conducing firing operations that provided “critical suppression efforts” to keep the fire west of U.S. 89.

“The primary objectives for today will be to keep the fire set of Highway 89 and minimize impacts to private property, while looking for opportunities to direct fire line engagement,” the information stated. “Crews will be conducting structure assessments and the protection preparation work around a WyoLink communications site yesterday was completed. Current personnel and equipment include a crew of smokejumpers, a twenty-person hand crew, four engines, a dozer and multiple helicopters.”

Additional resources are on order. 

• Evacuation Notices

No new evacuation notices have been issued since one such order was given for residences from milepost 75 south to Salt Pass in the vicinity of Gomm’s Pond Lane. The National Guard Readiness Center in Afton is being used as a shelter. 

Stages of evacuation include the “Ready”, “Set” and “Go” methods. Detailed information on each stage can be found at the Lincoln County Emergency Management’s Wildland Fire Action Guide. 

Residents west of Highway 89 from Reeves-Schwab Lane south to Gomm’s Pond are in the “Set” phase. These residents are asked to be prepared to potential evacuation if the “Go” order is given. 

The CodeRED emergency notification system is used in Lincoln County as well. Learn more about CodeRED and how to sign up with your mobile device here. 

• Highway 89

U.s. 89 is currently open to all traffic in both directions. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) will work closely with fire managers as fire operations continue today. 

Though the highway is reopened, all travelers should be cautious of fire vehicles and equipment in the area as well as impacts from smoke. Drivers are asked to not pull over or park on the side of the road to view fire operations, which would clutter the road and pose safety hazards to emergency personnel. 

More updates can be found at wyoroad.info. 

• Community Involvement

One element made apparent through online offers and requests is that of how can the community best help those battling the fire. Through various officials, the involved personnel love the support but do not have any additional needs at this time. Current information from the Afton Readiness Center indicates that they are well-stocked and ready should there be evacuation needs moving forward.  Should the crews or fire managers indicate that they could use additional community resources, they will put that request out to the public.