Willow Creek Fire now 73% contained

AFTON (WNE) — Officials with the Bridger-Teton National Forest are describing the Willow Creek Fire south of Smoot at 73% contained as of September 8, 2025. The size of the fire has remained unchanged for several days, holding steady at 4,065 acres.

The fire was first reported on August 22 and grew to over 3,500 acres by that following weekend, prompting the closure of U.S. 89 for several hours and forcing the evacuation of several area homes. No structures or residences have been damaged by the fire according to officials.

Full containment has been anticipated by September 15.

Effective Sept. 7, Wyoming Type 3 Team 3 assumed command of the Willow Creek Fire, which had been managed by Nevada Type 3 Team 2 since Aug. 24. 

Firefighters will continue tactics to tie in all remaining edges of the fire, felling snag and hazard trees that may pose a threat to fire lines. Roads and dozer lines used during firefighting operations are being rehabilitated. Helicopters are available to deliver water where needed to extinguish hot spots and to assist with removal of supplies from the fire area. 

Travelers on Highway 89 should be cautious of fire vehicles and equipment in the area and are asked not to pull over or park on the side of the road to view the fire area, which could pose safety hazards to emergency personnel.

After aerial assessments and collaborations with Incident Management Team, ALL areas within the previously established evacuation zones have been downgraded to “READY.”

This story was published on Sept. 8, 2025.