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Oct. 5, 2024 9PM updated fire map
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Fish Creek/Pack Trail Fire update – Oct. 5, 2024 (posted 10/5/2024)
Teton Interagency Fire
Update, Saturday, Oct. 5, 9:00PM: Due to extreme wind gusts up to 60 mph, the Pack Trail fire saw significant growth today running 4 miles along the south side of the Purdy Fire scar. Teton County Emergency Services has placed the Upper Gros Ventre area (Goosewing and Elk Track Ranches) into a Level 2 "Set" evacuation warning. Crews continue to strengthen containment features on the 532 and 540 Roads. Night operations have been established to continue structure preparation east of US-26 with hose lays, portable water tanks and sprinklers.
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Morning report: Overnight the Pack Trail Fire and Fish Creek Fires merged along Bull Creek. The incident will now be managed under one name, the Pack Trail Fire.
Combined Pack Trail/Fish Creek Fires: Total Acres: 48,640, Total Personnel: 444
Weather: The Red Flag Warning issued yesterday remains in effect through 9:00 p.m. tonight. Wind gusts could exceed 50 mph. Overnight winds were measured at 46mph on the ridgetops and 24 in the valleys. Wind is expected to taper off at 9:00 this morning but will remain in the 30mph range on the ridges. Low humidities, warmer temperatures, and strong, gusty winds remain in play and will continue to influence fire behavior. Winds are expected to shift from the west today which could bring certain parts of the fire into alignment with terrain. Residents and travelers are urged to monitor fire and emergency management announcements closely.
Operations: The Fish Creek fire’s footprint experienced some expansion on the south side overnight, coming down to meet the Pack Trail fire along Bull Creek. On the Pack Trail footprint there was some movement down off the rim of the Lava Mountain escarpment, but it remains above the 540 road as of this morning. On the south side it continued to burn into the Purdy and Lava Mountain burn scars with the most growth from Hackamore Creek to along the north side of Coyote Creek. Firefighters continued work on the shaded fuel break up the 540 road and are nearing a meeting with crews coming down from the north near Pellham Lake. Structure protection has completed preparations on the US-26 corridor and continue work up towards Pinnacle and Brooks Lake. Hotshot crews in Trout Creek area have started fire line construction between the Lava Mountain and the Purdy fire burn scars, taking advantage of terrain and an existing road.
Safety: Drivers on US-26 may experience periods of smoke today due to high winds. Please use caution while driving, use headlights, and expect to encounter fire vehicles along the road. If planning travel on US-26 across the Continental Divide monitor WY-DOT for possible closures due to fire activity. Teton Interagency Fire managers are maintaining the Very High Fire Danger Rating for Grand Teton National Park, the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and the National Elk Refuge. This means fires can start easily from most causes and may spread rapidly, becoming large fires and exhibiting extreme fire intensity, Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fire or possible ignition sources, including campfires.
Forest Closures: Closure Order #04-03-24-314 is in effect from October 1 through October 15, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-313, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area. Access the closure order and map on InciWeb.
Evacuations: Evacuations and evacuation alerts for several subdivisions and ranches in Fremont County, WY remain in place. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Fackbook Page for alerts and current status.
Office of the Attorney General (posted 10/5/2024)
Office of the Attorney General
October 4, 2024 (Cheyenne) — Attorney General Bridget Hill announced a settlement with Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC (Sanofi) which guarantees that Wyoming citizens not enrolled in government health care programs can buy Sanofi’s insulin products for $35 per month for the next five years.
The soaring cost of insulin over the last decade has increased scrutiny on insulin manufacturers and pharmacy benefits managers from the Attorney General’s Office and other attorneys general around the nation. Concerns arose regarding whether insulin manufacturers deceptively priced their insulin products, requiring citizens to pay inordinately high prices for insulin. This settlement is a result of those concerns.
The terms of the settlement will come into effect within 90 days of September 27, 2024. The settlement requires Sanofi to provide insulin products—including Admelog, Lantus, Toujeo, and Apidra, and any biosimilar of those products that Sanofi markets in the U.S.—at $35 per monthly prescription for customers choosing to pay with cash.
To take advantage of the pricing, consumers will need to register for a savings card on a Sanofi affordability website. Once Sanofi’s affordability program is in place for Wyoming, the Attorney General’s Office will release additional information about how Wyoming citizens can purchase a month’s supply of Sanofi insulin for just $35.
In addition to the $35 monthly prescription rate, Sanofi has agreed to implement an enrollment message program to assist pharmacists and patients in determining eligibility for its low-cost insulin. The system will alert patients about this low-cost alternative at pharmacy counters throughout the State when patients are filling their prescriptions.
Lastly, Sanofi has also committed to continuing its Patient Connection Program that provides free insulin to Wyoming citizens in financial need. "This settlement is a good start to helping combat the problems surrounding insulin prices," Attorney General Hill said. "Consumers utilizing insulin have directly felt the impacts of skyrocketing insulin prices for years. For example, in 2018, the list price of a five-pack of Apidra in an injection pen was over $625. With this settlement, the price for a month’s supply of pens is only $35 for cash customers. I believe this settlement will greatly help Wyoming families needing insulin so they can better live their lives without fear of being able to afford a critical component of their care."
In the months ahead, the Attorney General’s Office intends to raise public awareness of the low-cost option afforded by this settlement. The Attorney General’s Office will also reach out to Wyoming pharmacies to raise awareness of the program and ensure Wyomingites who use insulin products can take advantage of the benefit of this settlement. At the same time, the Attorney General’s Office will continue to scrutinize the causes of the rising cost of insulin including looking at other drug manufacturers and pharmacy benefit managers and their impact on Wyoming consumers.
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Fire Danger increased to Very High (posted 10/3/2024)
Western Wyo., October 3, 2024 — Teton Interagency Fire managers have elevated the fire danger rating to "Very High" for Grand Teton National Park, Bridger-Teton National Forest and the National Elk Refuge. When the fire danger is "Very High," fires can start easily from most causes and may spread rapidly with quick increase in intensity right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting. These fires can be difficult to control and can often become much larger and longer lasting.
Last week, six human-caused fires were reported on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. These fires, all from abandoned warming fires, have ranged in size from ½ acre to 4.5 acres. Luckily, all these fires have been extinguished thanks to the vigilance of public reporting and firefighters patrolling the Forest. Fire managers are urging recreationists to use extreme caution with fire.
During the fall, frost kills summer grasses and vegetation, creating more light, cured fuels to carry fire. Larger fuels remain dry throughout the season, and winds become a major driver for fires. Additionally, with fall, comes the arrival of hunting season. People hunting and recreating on public lands will want to have warming fires and campfires with the cooler overnight temperatures. Public land users can help prevent wildfires by choosing to not have a fire at all and instead dress for success with multiple layers and warm clothing.
Unseasonably warm daytime temperatures and very dry conditions are predicted to continue over the weekend and into next week with periods of increased wind and no forecasted rain.
Fire managers advise recreationists to use extreme caution if choosing to build and maintain a campfire. In areas where campfires are allowed, fires should never be left unattended and must be completely extinguished before leaving. If choosing to have a campfire, keep it small and have a plan for putting it out before lighting it. All recreationists should have a shovel on hand and a water bucket ready for use. Soak, stir, feel, repeat. Make sure your campfire is "dead out" and cold to the touch before leaving. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave!
To date, 68 campfires have been abandoned or left unattended in the Teton Interagency Dispatch area. Unattended or abandoned campfires and warming fires can quickly escape and become wildfires, and recreationists can be held liable for suppression costs.
Visit the Teton Interagency Fire website at TetonFires.com to learn more about fire safety. To report a fire or smoke in the area, call Teton Interagency Fire Dispatch Center at 307-739-3630.
Updated Fish Creek/Pack Trail fire map,
Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
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Update on the Fish Creek Fire - Sept. 29, 2024 (posted 9/29/2024)
Pinedale Online!
Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, 3:25PM: Fremont County Emergency Management issued orders for immediate evacuation for those in the path of the Pack Trail and Fish Creek wild fires. Wind gusts up to 60 mph on Sunday afternoon pushed the fire to within 2-1/2 miles of US 26/287.
The evacuation order is for Brooks Lake Road, East & West Pinnacle Drive, Breccia Drive, US HWY 26: Togwotee Pass from Mile Post 30-44, Long Creek Subdivision, Lava Mountain Subdivisions, Triangle C Ranch, old KOA, urban subdivision, including Timberline Ranch and Rawhide Ranches.
Facilities for sheltering livestock animals are being set up at the Dubois rodeo grounds. A Red Cross shelter is being set up for residents.
The Fish Creek Fire is currently over 25,000 acres and is burning in Teton and Fremont Counties north of Pinedale. The enormous smoke plume has been clearly visible to the north of Pinedale, although none of the three fires currently burning are yet in Sublette County. All the fires were started by lightning.
Fish Creek Fire update – Sept. 19, 2024 (posted 9/19/2024)
25,052 acres, 79% contained
The Fish Creek Fire began from a lightning strike on Friday, August 16th, 2024. It is burning about seven miles southwest of Togwotee Pass, east of Jackson and north of Pinedale, Wyoming. As of Thursday, September 19th, it was reported to be 25,052 acres and 79% contained. There are 349 total personnel working the fire, including 9 hand crews, 3 fire engines, 13 pieces of heavy equipment, and 2 helicopters. It is burning on Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests.
KEY MESSAGES:
The fire continues to smolder in heavy timber, litter, dead and down timber, and younger mixed conifers, despite recent moisture and light snow. Minimal fire behavior is expected, but creeping, smoldering, and backing behavior of the fire will continue with an occasional single tree torching. Care with fire of any kind is still advised across the entire region.
Work will continue along the Highway 26/287 corridor. Firefighters and heavy equipment will be present. Please drive with caution, especially with wet or snowy conditions over the pass. Public and firefighter safety continues to be our highest priority on the Fish Creek Fire.
The Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests updated the Closure Order for the area of the fire on Sept. 17th, opening the areas north of US-26 that had been previously closed. The closures that remain provide for public and firefighters safety. Please respect the orders for roads, campgrounds, and trails that remain closed. Additional information regarding the current closure order can be found on the Forest websites. Numerous hazards will remain in those areas.
The main basecamp for firefighters has moved to Dubois and will be located at the Dubois Town Park. This will increase traffic in that area. Please be aware of the additional vehicles entering and departing the area.
A Type 3 Incident Management Team, Nevada Team 4, has arrived in Dubois. They in-briefed with outgoing Northern Rockies Team 2 last night, will shadow today, and will assume operational control of the incident at 0600 Friday, September 20th.
Further information feeds will be undertaken as necessary, dependent upon fire behavior or emerging conditions. For forest closure information please refer to the Bridger-Teton NF website, the Bridger-Teton NF Facebook page, and the Bridger-Teton NF feed on X (Twitter).
CURRENT STATUS:
Due to the recent inclement weather, which impacted roads in the fire area, firefighters remained disengaged on more remote parts of the fire for safety reasons and to minimize impact to roads. Hand crews, however, continued their work along Deception Road from Highway 26 to Brooks Lake Lodge campground. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire behavior in the area.
At the fuel mitigation project around Togwotee Lodge, the cutting phase is complete and now removal of vegetation debris will proceed as well as continued brush reduction. This action will improve defensible space for values at risk from future wildfires. Work has also resumed on the Flagstaff Road and large amounts of vegetation are being removed from this area.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR:
The area of the Fish Creek Fire has received a significant amount of moisture across the fire zone over the last week. Forecast is for scattered precipitation and low temperatures over the fire area.
AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE:
Aside from continued smoldering and isolated torching, the fire footprint is putting up minimal smoke. For up-to-date air quality alerts, current and predicted smoke conditions and ways to mitigate poor air quality, check out the AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov/.
CLOSURES AND EVACUATIONS:
The joint Closure Order issued by both the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forests for the fire area, remains in effect. Please do not enter the closure area or use any Forest Roads that are closed. For specific details regarding this closure, please reference the announcement on Inciweb for Sept 17th, 2024.
Under the jurisdiction of Fremont County, the areas of Brooks Lake, Pinnacle Drive and Breccia Drive have been reduced to Level 1 "Ready" Status (indicated by green blocks on the PIO Incident Map). A Level 1 "Ready" Status means residents should closely monitor information feeds regarding fire activity. See the Fremont County Fire Protection District Facebook page for current alerts.
The Teton County Division of Emergency Management utilizes a Ready, Set, Go system for evacuation messaging, visit their website for additional details at www.tetoncountywy.gov/1846/Ready-Set-GO. They advise all residents to be in a "Ready" status by preparing for evacuations and becoming fire adapted. All residents are encouraged to sign up for Teton County, Wyoming's free alert and warning service, Teton WY Alerts at: Teton_WY Alerts - Sign Up (everbridge.net).
US HWY 26/287 is open for free-flowing traffic. A 45-mph speed restriction remains in effect for the fire area. Motorists are encouraged to stay alert for fire personnel and fire vehicles and use caution when traveling through the area.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) continues to work closely with Fremont County Emergency Management, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and fire officials for the safety of motorists and firefighters.
Drivers are encouraged to visit https://www.wyoroad.info/ prior to traveling on US HWY 26/287 for road status and information, or download the Wyoming 511 app at https://www.wyoroad.info/511/WY511Mobile.html to monitor for any changes due to fire activity.
Forest Service reminder regarding E-Bikes (posted 9/19/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
The Bridger-Teton National Forest is reminding recreationists that e-bikes (electric bikes) are only permitted on forest trails where motorized vehicles are allowed. "We’ve had an increase in reports of e-bikes on non-motorized trails recently," said Mark Gocke, Public Affairs Specialist with the Bridger-Teton National Forest. "And with the fall hunting seasons getting into full swing, we typically see an influx of new forest users including some who may not be aware of local rules regarding e-bikes."
"The Bridger-Teton National Forest has a diversity of recreational experiences to offer," said Gocke. "E-bikes provide visitors yet another opportunity to share in the enjoyment of their public lands." Unmanaged motorized use causes concerns about trail proliferation, wildlife disturbance, soil erosion, damage to wet meadows, noxious weed spread, and conflict with those seeking quiet recreation.
Before you go, take time to review these tips to reduce risks and improve your experience.
Bring a map and know where you can ride; e-bikes are motorized vehicles and must follow the same regulations as other motorized vehicles.
Know your e-bike’s capabilities, including how far and long you can ride on one charge.
Share the trail: motorized vehicles yield to both horses and hikers; uphill traffic has the right-of-way.
Keep your speed in check, watch for others on corners or narrow trail sections.
Wear the appropriate safety gear and bring extra clothing for changes in the weather.
Carry a first aid kit and plenty of food and water.
Be sure to share your itinerary and where you will be going with someone reliable.
The Forest Service defines e-bikes, also referred to as an electric mountain bike (eMTB), as a type of motor vehicle with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor of not more than 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following three classes:
Class 1 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the e-bike and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 E-Bike. An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
To read the Forest Service’s e-bike policy, visit this link:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/e-bikes
Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) are provided free at ranger district offices or from the Bridger-Teton National Forest website Bridger-Teton National Forest - Maps & Publications (usda.gov). A free app from Avenza allows users satellite access to the maps, so even in the backcountry, travelers know when they are on a legal route. Only designated routes, or those shown on the MVUM, are open for motorized uses, and some of those may only allow certain size vehicles or may be open for limited seasons, to prolong the life of the route itself, or to better protect wildlife habitat.
For other news, events and information you can call 307-739-5500 or visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf or follow the Bridger-Teton National Forest on Facebook @BridgerTetonNF or on X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF.
Game and Fish encourages hunters to submit sage-grouse wings (posted 9/19/2024)
Wyoming Game & Fish
Sage-grouse hunters in Wyoming are encouraged to use wing barrels to help the Wyoming Game and Fish Department have a more complete picture of harvest within the state.
Game and Fish asks hunters to deposit one wing from each harvested sage-grouse in roadside collection barrels. Hunters should remove one wing at the elbow joint and deposit it in the nearest wing barrel. Handling the wing with care is important to ensure accurate data collection. Legally, the other fully-feathered wing must remain attached to the bird while in the field and during transport.
"The collection of sage-grouse wings provides crucial data for monitoring population health and making informed management decisions," said Nyssa Whitford, Game and Fish sage-grouse and sagebrush biologist. "Wildlife biologists gather data from wings that would otherwise be difficult to obtain and offer important information about reproductive success."
Last year hunters dropped just over 2,800 wings in collection barrels statewide. Barrels are found during hunting season at specific locations within the sagebrush steppe regions, primarily in central and southwest Wyoming. They are often located along primary exit roads near popular hunting areas and wildlife management areas, or in cooperation with local landowners and conservation organizations. Hunters also can drop-off wings and the respective harvest locations to a roadside hunter check station or a Game and Fish regional office if there isn't a convenient barrel.
"We appreciate hunters taking the time to deposit one wing from each harvested bird. It is important to us that wings get deposited and they are not removed from the barrels by the public," Whitford said.
After the hunting season, Game and Fish biologists analyze the wings to determine an estimate of reproductive success. Using length and wear of the primary feathers, each wing is aged as a chick, yearling or adult and sex is determined by the size or measurement of the wing.
"This data helps us determine the average number of chicks per hen that were produced for the year and used in conjunction with spring lek counts, and gives us insight into the overall health of sage-grouse populations and trends," Whitford said. "The trends we detect help to guide long-term conservation efforts and on-the-ground habitat improvement projects."
New this year for sage-grouse hunters
One major change for 2024 is that all licensed sage-grouse hunters — daily, annual, Pioneer and lifetime license holders — will be required to carry a free, annual sage-grouse hunting permit to help Game and Fish further expand efforts to survey sage-grouse hunters on their hunt experience. The permit is available at Game and Fish offices and online through the Game and Fish website.
Looking for a job? (posted 7/17/2024)
Check out the Pinedale Online Job Board
Pinedale Online!
Here is a list of current job openings in Sublette County posted on the Pinedale Online Job Board.
Job openings include cooks, cashiers, bartenders, RNs, CDL truck drivers, gas technicians, emergency room physicians, ranch hands, school teachers, custodians, motel night audits, pool lifeguards, veterinary technicians, delivery drivers, EMTs, sports coaches, equipment operators, mechanics, concrete specialists, carpenters, phlebotomists, medical technicians, law enforcement, dispatchers, and more. To get to the specific job descriptions and instructions on how to apply, go to the Pinedale Online Job Board.
All employers are looking for people who are reliable, honest, and willing to work. Many jobs require drug/alcohol screening and background checks.
For anyone who doesn’t already live here and is interested in applying for a job, be sure to get your housing secured before moving here, as housing is in short supply and can be expensive. Sometimes employers can help with housing arrangements. For more information about the Pinedale area, go to www.visitpinedale.org.
Full-time Maintenance Worker 1 Town of Pinedale, Pinedale, Wyoming
Gas Technician/Equipment Operator Pinedale Natural Gas, Pinedale, Wyoming
Part-Time Cook Rendezvous Pointe, Pinedale, Wyoming
Middle School Life Skills Paraprofessional Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Middle School Sped Paraprofessional Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
High School Girls Head Wrestling Coach Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Middle School Girls Wrestling Coaches (2) Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Class A CDL Driver Taylor Construction, Inc., Boulder, Wyoming
Yard Hand Pinedale Lumber, Pinedale, Wyoming
ER Physician Sublette County Hospital District, Pinedale, Wyoming
ER Advanced Practice Provider APP Sublette County Hospital District, Pinedale, Wyoming
Full-Time Laundry Attendant Hampton Inn & Suites, Pinedale, Wyoming
Full-time Planning & Zoning Administrator Town of Pinedale, Pinedale, Wyoming
Public Health RN Sublette County Public Health, Pinedale, Wyoming
Truck Drivers, Equipment Operators, and Laborers Teletractors, Inc., Pinedale, Wyoming
Class A CDL Truck Driver M and M Disposal, Pinedale, Wyoming
Concrete Craftsman Adams Concrete, Inc., Pinedale, Wyoming
Bartender Boulder Store & Bar, Boulder, Wyoming
Store Cashier Boulder Store, Boulder, Wyoming
Summer Ranch Help, Upper Green
Full-Time Cashier/Stocker/Side Duties Obo’s Market & Deli, Pinedale, Wyoming
Homemaker Rendezvous Pointe, Pinedale, Wyoming
Elementary School Part-Time Title I Math Teacher (Grant Funded) Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Custodian Pinedale Aquatic Center, Pinedale, Wyoming
Housekeeper High Country Suites, Pinedale, Wyoming
Night Audit High Country Suites, Pinedale, Wyoming
Mountain Camp Cook Bald Mountain Outfitters, Pinedale, Wyoming
Patrol Deputy, Detention Deputy, Communications Officer Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, Sublette County, Wyoming
EMT, AEMT, EMT-I and Paramedic Sublette County EMS, Sublette County, Wyoming
CDL Truck Driver M and M Disposal, Pinedale, Wyoming
Receptionist/Call Center Sublette County Hospital District, Sublette County, Wyoming
Master Automotive Technician Performance Tech, Pinedale, Wyoming
High School Assistant Football Coach - 2 positions, Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
K-12 Special Education Counselor / Social Worker Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Full-Time Janitor Town of Pinedale, Pinedale, Wyoming
Middle School Boys Basketball Assisting Coach Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
2 Summer Groundskeepers Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Financial/Administrative Assistant Obo’s Market & Deli, Pinedale, Wyoming
Veterinary Assistant Pinedale Animal Hospital, Pinedale, Wyoming
Customer Service Representative Pinedale Animal Hospital, Pinedale, Wyoming
High School Special Education Paraprofessional Sublette County School District #1, Pinedale, Wyoming
Full-Time Bobtail Fuel Driver All American Fuels, Sublette County, Wyoming
Lifeguard Pinedale Aquatic Center, Pinedale, Wyoming
Seasonal Airport Operator Town of Pinedale, Pinedale, Wyoming
Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) Sublette Center, Pinedale, Wyoming
Evening Delivery Driver Old Stones Smokehouse and Country Pizza, Pinedale, Wyoming
Teaching Professional Children’s Discovery Center, Pinedale, Wyoming
Phlebotomist Sublette County Hospital District, Pinedale, Wyoming
Medical Technologist Sublette County Hospital District, Pinedale, Wyoming
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