The Willow Creek Fire, first reported just after 11 a.m. Friday on the Greys River Ranger District of the Bridger-Teton National Forest, has grown quickly to an estimated 250 acres by Friday evening. The fire is burning roughly four miles west of Smoot in heavy timber.
The Willow Creek fire joins the Dollar Lake fire and the Little Greys fire in our area.
Full Suppression Response
Bridger-Teton officials confirmed that crews are treating this as a full suppression fire. Resources on the ground include engines and helitack crews, while the air response features three helicopters and two incoming air tankers dropping water and retardant. An airplane has also been circling to assist in fire strategy.
Hot, Dry & Windy Conditions
Fire danger across western Wyoming remains extreme. The summer has brought little to no measurable moisture, with temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s combined with gusty winds. These factors have created ripe conditions for wildfire growth.
Restrictions Already In Place
Stage 1 fire restrictions have been in effect for Bridger-Teton National Forest and Grand Teton National Park since August 12, limiting campfires and certain outdoor activities. Lincoln County followed suit on August 19. That same day, Governor Mark Gordon declared an emergency response for wildfires statewide, freeing up additional resources for suppression efforts.
Stay Alert With CodeRED
Lincoln County residents are urged to sign up for the CodeRED Emergency Notification System, which delivers critical alerts ranging from evacuation notices to missing child alerts.
- Caller ID Numbers To Know:
• Emergency Notifications: 1-866-419-5000 (or “Emergency Comm”)
• General Notifications: 1-855-969-4636 (or “General Comm”) - Privacy: Contact info remains private and is used only for community alerts.
- Sign Up: Visit lincolncountywy.gov and click the Emergency Notifications link.
This service ensures that if conditions worsen, residents will get official updates immediately on their phones.
📸 Have photos of the smoke plume or firefighting efforts? Send them to Antlers Arch and we’ll share them with the community.
