Dollar Lake Fire Explodes Near Green River Lakes, Campers Evacuated

What started as a small wildfire Thursday afternoon near Dollar Lake in Sublette County quickly turned into a fast-moving blaze that forced evacuations and shut down access to one of Wyoming’s most popular backcountry getaways.

The Dollar Lake Fire, first reported around 2:15 p.m., grew to an estimated 600 acres within just a few hours, according to Sublette County Emergency Management. The fire is burning in heavy timber on the Bridger-Teton National Forest and sending up thick columns of black smoke visible for miles.

“If you are in the area, please evacuate immediately,” the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office posted in an emergency alert just after the fire broke out.

By 3:25 p.m., Green River Lakes Road — the only way in and out of the valley — was closed.

Fire crews from the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Sublette County, and other agencies scrambled to respond. A helicopter was on scene Thursday evening, with more air support ordered to help slow the flames.

Officials said the cause of the fire hasn’t been determined.

Dollar Lake sits at the far northern end of the Wind River Mountains, where the Green River begins its iconic run toward the Colorado. The area is a favorite for campers, hikers and backpackers heading toward Squaretop Mountain or Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s tallest.

On Thursday afternoon, traffic poured out of the valley as campers packed up.

“I just see a whole slew of vehicles coming down the road — campers with canoes, bicycles,” said Mark Domek, who lives near Kendall, about eight miles from the lake.

He said responders told him the Green River Lakes campground was being evacuated.

“It’s putting up quite a bit of black smoke,” Domek added. “When the smoke’s that black, it’s definitely eating some timber up.”

The region has been under very high fire danger with Stage 1 fire restrictions in place since Aug. 12, meaning no open flames except in designated fire rings.

Officials warned that conditions are ripe for fast, dangerous fire behavior — including long-distance spotting and fire whirls.

Meanwhile, crews are also working on the Little Greys Fire, about 39 acres in size, southwest of Dollar Lake. That blaze has shown progress with containment lines, but the much larger Dollar Lake Fire has quickly become the top concern.

Authorities said more updates will come as crews continue battling the blaze. For now, they’re asking the public to steer clear of the area to give firefighters room to work.

With input from Buckrail, Oil City News, WyoFile, and County 10.