🚨 August 24, 2025 – 9:30 AM Update
The Willow Creek Fire continues to burn actively in Lincoln County, now estimated at 3,820 acres with 0% containment. A total of 61 personnel are currently assigned to the incident. The cause remains under investigation.
Weather & Fire Behavior
Conditions today could fuel additional fire growth, though calmer winds are expected compared to Saturday. Widespread showers may move into the area as early as Monday, offering potential relief for firefighting efforts.
Highway 89 Impacts
On Saturday evening, fire activity forced a closure of Highway 89 between milepost 64 and 72, later extended from milepost 55.3 to 76. WYDOT reopened the corridor at 1:20 AM Sunday, but officials urge drivers to:
- Expect heavy fire traffic and smoke.
- Avoid pulling over or parking on the roadside to watch fire operations.
- Be prepared for potential additional closures if conditions worsen.
Updates on road status are available via WYDOT’s website or the Wyoming 511 app.
Evacuations
- “GO” Evacuation Order: All residences from milepost 75 south (near Gomm’s Pond Lane) to Salt Pass. A shelter is open at the National Guard Readiness Center in Afton near the high school.
- “SET” Evacuation Stage: Residents west of Highway 89 from Reeves-Schwab Lane South to Gomm’s Pond should prepare for potential evacuation.
Lincoln County Emergency Management emphasizes the READY, SET, GO! system and encourages residents to sign up for CodeRED alerts here.
Firefighting Operations
Fire crews conducted critical firing operations Saturday evening to hold the fire west of Highway 89, supported by retardant drops from aircraft. Today’s objectives remain:
- Keeping the fire west of the highway.
- Protecting private property.
- Conducting structure assessments and protection work at a WyoLink communications site.
Current resources include smokejumpers, a 20-person hand crew, 12 engines, a dozer, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. More resources are on the way.
Incident Management Transition
A Type 3 Incident Management Team from Nevada, led by Incident Commander Brian Kitchen, will assume command of the fire late Sunday. This transition will allow local resources to pivot toward other area fires and potential new starts.
