UPDATE: Clearwater Fire Is Spreading, Zero Containment

The Clearwater Fire is growing.

The wildfire, which started with a lightning strike on July 19th, on a ridgeline between the Elk Fork and June Creek drainages, has increased in size, according to a media release from the U.S. National Forest Service.

The fire, about one mile south of the Clearwater Campground, is very difficult to reach, according to Jon Warder, Incident Commander for Wyoming Type 3 Team, has consumed 70 acres but isn’t a threat to homes of outbuildings.

The worry is that the Cody area will see a change in weather systems on Thursday that could bring stronger winds, an increase in the chance for isolated thunderstorms, but more moderate temperatures are likely through the weekend.

Currently, firefighters are focusing on updating structure protection plans for Shoshone National Forest infrastructure, summer homes, and private property in the immediate area. Additionally, they have been assisting private landowners with making sure their homes and property are protected with what they describe as “increasing their defensible space and hardening of their structures.”

Officials say there are no fire restrictions in place in the Shoshone National Forest, however they do remind people that this is the time of year to be vigilant about possible ignition sources that could create more wildfires.

Keep dry, tall grass down to a minimum around structures, be careful when using equipment that can create sparks like lawnmowers, properly dispose of cigarette butts, and if finished with a campfire, always remember to douse it with plenty of water and “drown, stir, feel for heat, and repeat” to make sure it’s extinguished.