Smoky Summer in the Forecast
Written by Andrew-Rossi on July 24, 2017
It’s going to be a smoky summer.
That’s according to the Shoshone National Forest Acting Supervisor, Eric Watrud, who told residents at a public meeting this weekend that the June Fire will likely be burning for quite a while.
According to the incident command team, the June Fire between Wapiti and Pahaska west of Cody has so far burned 1938 acres and is 17% contained, although a spot fire outside the northeastern perimeter of the Fire continued to grow over the weekend.
Officials say that heavy concentrations of beetle killed timber and abundant dead and downed trees are the primary driver of the fire. They say temperatures in the upper 80’s, low relative humidity, and upslope winds will contribute to further drying of the vegetation and increase their chances of catching fire.
Residents and tourists driving along the North Fork highway and area roads should expect to see increased activity from firefighting, and are asked to use caution when driving in these areas.
The Shoshone National Forest has closed the Elk Fork campground, Elk Fork Trail, and Blackwater Memorial National Recreation Trail – but there are no mandatory evacuations in effect at this time.
