Lava Mountain fire threatens evacuations near Dubois, Wyoming
Firefighters are working to protect structures in the Union Pass and Teton Valley Ranch areas from the growing Lava Mountain fire. It is located about 20 miles northwest of Dubois on the Wind River Ranger District of the Shoshone National Forest.
The fire was estimated at 11,538 acres and was 0 percent contained. It is burning in active, thick timber.
The Fremont County, Wyoming Sheriff has ordered a pre-evacuation order for Stony Point, Bald Mountain, Upper Little Warm Springs and Lower Little Warm Springs. That means there is a significant danger and people should prepare to leave at a moment’s notice. People are advised to have important items packed and know what they plan to do with pets.
The order states that once evacuated, people will not be allowed to return to their homes for any reason.
A Red Cross shelter has been established at the Old High School in Dubois. All evacuees should check in at the shelter for communication purposes.
Highway 26 remains open with a no-stopping zone establishede in the vicinity of the fire. The Continental Divide Trail is closed from Sheridan Pass to Pilot Knob, and Motorized Trails 10, 11, and 15 are also closed. Forest Roads 513, 532, 542, 540, 542.1I, 629, and 732 are closed.
16 fire crews, 6 helicopters, 10 water tenders, 3 dozers, and 55 engines are being used to help fight the fire. It is believed to have been started by lightning on July 11th.
