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Pack Trail Fire update – Monday, Oct. 14, 2024 (posted 10/14/2024)
Teton Interagency Fire
Evacuations – Teton Country Emergency Management has announced that the Upper Gros Ventre area, east of Goosewing Ranch, will be placed under a Level 3 "GO" evacuation order at noon today.
Brooks Lake Lodge, Pinnacle Cabins, Falls Camp, and Long Creek have been reduced to a Level 2 "Set" Evacuation Warning. Level 3 "Go" evacuation orders remain in effect for Lava Mountain Lodge and McKenzie Highland Ranch. The Dunoir Road Corridor has been reduced to a Level 1 "Ready" Evacuation Warning. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page for alerts and updates. See the Teton County Emergency Management website updates and to sign up for emergency alerts through Everbridge.
Operations – Today, warm, dry, and unstable conditions are expected to lead to increased fire activity. Yesterday, on the east side of the fire, ground crews conducted a firing operation west of Lava Mountain Lodge, taking advantage of favorable winds along 540 Road. On the north side, the Pack Trail Fire continued to move into areas around Cowboy Camp, Strawberry Warming Hut, and Fish Creek Guard Station. Fire behavior was spotted near the guard station, and firefighters used aircraft to suppress persistent activity while mopping up hotspots, patrolling, and refilling tanks for sprinkler systems set up for point protection. The fire remains confined north of Union Pass Road. On the west flank, firefighters are patrolling the Burnt Ridge area, using aircraft as the fire slowly creeps downhill. Structure protection crews continued wrapping buildings, laying hoses, and setting up sprinklers around any and all structures in the Gros Ventre valley. Overnight, on the south side, active fire behavior was observed near Buffalo Meadow, while on the west side, the fire showed moderate activity as it continued to creep downhill. Crews remain focused on patrolling for new smoke and fire growth.
Safety – Yesterday a Drone Incursion occurred over the fire area. Unauthorized flights within a temporary flight restriction are highly dangerous to firefighting aircraft and illegal. DO NOT fly drones in or around the fire airspace. 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, the Shoshone National Forest , and the National Elk Refuge. Due to excessively dry fuels, any spark can ignite fire which can spread rapidly, becoming a large fire and exhibit extreme fire intensity. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fire or possible ignition sources.
Always build your campfires away from dry grass, leaves, and overhanging branches to reduce the risk of spreading wildfire. Clear at least a 10-foot perimeter around your fire, removing any flammable material, and make sure your fire is dead out and cool to touch before you go to sleep, or leave the area.
Weather – Today’s weather conditions present the potential for moderate fire behavior. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-60s. Winds will come from the west/northwest at 10 MPH, with gusts reaching up to 16 MPH. Relative humidity will be between 19% and 24%. To learn more about air quality, visit Fire.AirNow.Gov.
Road Closures – The Union Pass Road is closed on the Pinedale District (BTNF) from Mosquito Lake to the DuNoir on the Wind River District (SHO).
Forest Closures - Closure Order #04-03-24-316 is in effect from October 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. through November 1, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-315, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area.
For more information, visit: Facebook: USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest Pack Trail Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybtf-pack-trail-fire
Pack Trail Daily Update - October 13, 2024 (posted 10/11/2024)
Total Acres: 75,370, Confined: 62%, Total Personnel: 611
Teton Interagency Fire
Evacuations – Brooks Lake Lodge, Pinnacle Cabins, Falls Camp, and Long Creek have been reduced to a Level 2 "Set" Evacuation Warning. Level 3 "Go" evacuation orders remain in effect for Lava Mountain Lodge and McKenzie Highland Ranch. The Dunoir Road Corridor has been reduced to a Level 1 "Ready" Evacuation Warning. The Upper Gros Ventre area, including Goosewing and Elk Track Ranches in Teton County, has been placed under a Level 2 "Set" Evacuation Warning. Evacuations and evacuation alerts for several subdivisions and ranches in Fremont County, WY remain in place. See the Fremont County Emergency Management Facebook Page for alerts and updates. See the Teton County Emergency Management website updates and to sign up for emergency alerts through Everbridge.
Operations – Today, calm wind conditions should result in less active fire behavior. Yesterday, light winds and dry weather also helped moderate the fire’s activity. The Pack Trail Fire continued to back into the areas around Cowboy Camp, Strawberry Warming Hut, and Fish Creek Guard Station, where firefighters used aircraft to temper persistent fire behavior while cleaning up hotspots, patrolling, and refilling tanks for sprinkler systems set up for point protection. The fire remains contained north of Union Pass Road. On the west flank, firefighters are patrolling the Burnt Ridge area as the fire creeps slowly downhill. Structure protection crews are wrapping buildings, installing hose lays, and setting up sprinklers at Elk Track Ranch and in the Gros Ventre area. Ground crews are completing a shaded fuel break on 540 Road, east off Highway 26. Overnight on the south side, active fire behavior persisted as crews observed fire behavior near buffalo meadow. On the north side, no new fire activity was observed, but some heat remains in the interior, with smoke still visible. Crews continue patrolling for new smoke and fire growth
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, the Shoshone National Forest , and the National Elk Refuge. Due to excessively dry fuels, any spark can ignite fire which can spread rapidly, becoming a large fire and exhibit extreme fire intensity. Residents and visitors are urged to exercise extreme caution with fire or possible ignition sources. Always build your campfires away from dry grass, leaves, and overhanging branches to reduce the risk of spreading wildfire. Clear at least a 10-foot perimeter around your fire, removing any flammable material, and make sure your fire is dead out and cool to touch before you go to sleep, or leave the area.
Weather – Today’s weather conditions present the potential for moderate fire behavior. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies, with temperatures ranging from the low to mid-60s. Winds will come from the south at 6 MPH, with gusts reaching up to 13 MPH. Relative humidity will be between 19% and 24%. To learn more about air quality, visit Fire.AirNow.Gov.
Road Closures – The Union Pass Road is closed on the Pinedale District (BTNF) from Mosquito Lake to the DuNoir on the Wind River District (SHO).
Forest Closures - Closure Order #04-03-24-316 is in effect from October 9, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. through November 1, 2024 at 6:00 a.m. unless rescinded. This order supersedes previous orders, including #04-03-24-315, prohibiting the same or similar acts in the same described area.
For more information, visit: Facebook: USDA Forest Service - Bridger-Teton National Forest, USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest Pack Trail Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wybtf-pack-trail-fire
Christmas tree permits available on the Bridger-Teton National Forest (posted 10/13/2024)
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Christmas tree permits will be available to purchase at Bridger-Teton National Forest district offices and online through Recreation.gov beginning October 13. Details about where to cut, dates, height restrictions and more can be found at Recreation.gov.
"National forests are full of beautiful landscapes that offer memorable experiences for all," said USDA Forest Service Chief Randy Moore. "Experiences become memories that last through generations, and exploring a national forest to select a tree that becomes the centerpiece for the holiday season creates a connection between the forest and a family’s story."
To purchase a Christmas tree permit online, visit Recreation.gov and search "Bridger-Teton National Forest Christmas Tree Permit." It is important to carefully read through the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing the permit. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction. Each permit is $15, plus a $2.50 processing fee. Users can purchase up to five trees per account. The permit must be printed and placed in the windshield of your vehicle as you remove your tree(s) from the Forest.
Many Forest roads are subject to seasonal closures. Visit the Bridger-Teton Alerts and Notices webpage to know the current Forest orders, alerts, notifications and closures. Free motor vehicle use maps may be available at district offices, online via the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/btnf or by downloading the Avenza App on your smart phone or tablet.
Fourth graders with an Every Kid Outdoors pass are eligible for a free Christmas tree permit and can apply by entering the pass or voucher number when purchasing a permit (note: a $2.50 reservation fee will be applied). Kids of all ages can download, color and decorate their tree with this Christmas tree ornament coloring page for a fun, handmade addition to their tree. Call your local U.S. Forest Service office for more information about the Every Kid Outdoors program.
Cutting a Christmas tree also improves forest health. The permit system helps to thin densely populated stands of small-diameter trees that tend to be the perfect size for Christmas trees. Removing these trees in designated areas helps other trees grow larger and can open areas that provide food for wildlife.
For other news, events and information about the Bridger-Teton National Forest, call 307-739-5500, visit the Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/btnf and follow the Bridger-Teton on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) @BridgerTetonNF
Amateur radio operator training classes in Rock Springs in November (posted 10/13/2024)
The Sweetwater Amateur Radio Club (SARC) is offering classes to become a licensed amateur short-wave radio operator. While anyone can listen to the transmissions without a license, but becoming an operator requires an FCC license. To assist prospective operators in obtaining this license, the SARC is offering a four-part class in November, scheduled over two weekends.
November 8: 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Technician Class Part 1
November 9: 8:00am - 4:00pm, Technician Class Part 2
November 22: 4:00pm - 8:00pm, Technician Class Part 3
November 23: 8:00am - 12:00pm, Technician Class Part 4
November 23: 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Amateur Radio Test, Sweetwater County Justice Center Classroom, 50140 US Highway 191 South, Rock Springs, WY 82901
Gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology while learning to connect with others around the globe. Whether you are interested in emergency communications, experimenting with radio equipment, or simply sharing your passion, the Technician class is a starting point. For more information or questions, contact Zach Gunyan, KE7W-YG, 307-922-6320, ke7wyg@wy7u.org.
Registration: http://wy7u.org/2024-technician-class-registration/
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PFAC kicks off their 49th season with Chicago Tap Theatre Oct. 22 (posted 10/11/2024)
Pinedale Fine Arts Council
The Pinedale Fine Arts Council (PFAC) is proud to present internationally-acclaimed Chicago Tap Theatre Tuesday, October 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Sheppard (Pinedale) Auditorium. The show will feature the full company of tap dancers plus a four-piece backing band.
The internationally-acclaimed Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) will be performing Unleash the Beats - A celebration of Tap Dance and Live Music from the 1920s to the future! CTT presents this celebration of the best in tap dance, from historical pieces from the past to the innovative and compelling original work for which the company is known. High production values and dynamic performances are the hallmark of this family-friendly, accessible show.
"The performance was of the highest professional quality, eclectic, surprisingly diverse and entertaining. Many wonder if tap can sustain an entire evening in repertory performance. CTT proves that it’s not only possible, it is every bit as engaging as any other dance genre and in many ways, far more accessible and entertaining." Tommy Hensel, Managing Director, Fine and Performing Arts Center, Moraine Valley Community College.
Tickets for Chicago Tap are available online at href="http://www.pinedalefinearts.com">www.pinedalefinearts.com and locally at Nested West, the Cowboy Shop, Office Outlet, the Big Piney Office Outlet, and at the door the night of the performance. Ticket prices are $20 adults / $7 students.
This event is presented by the Pinedale Fine Arts Council with support in part from the Wyoming Arts Council through funding from the Wyoming Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts which believes a great nation deserves great art, Sublette BOCES #1, the Sublette County Recreation Board, Pinedale Travel & Tourism, the Wyoming Community Foundation - Sublette, Tegeler & Associates, Jonah Energy, Purewest, and The Rocky Mountain Power Foundation.
For more information, please visit www.pinedalefinearts.com or call 307-367-7322; and be sure to find us on Facebook and Instagram!
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.
Wyoming Attorney General announces insulin product settlement with SanofiAventis U.S. LLC (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.
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.
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