Wildfires Rip Through Western Wyoming: Evacuations, Road Closures, and Months of Smoke Ahead

Western Wyoming is burning on two fronts, and it’s forcing evacuations, shutting highways, and sending massive plumes of smoke across the region.

The Dollar Lake Fire near Green River Lakes has already scorched nearly 10,000 acres of dense timber and could keep burning into October, according to fire managers. Campers, outfitters, and anyone living within a five-mile radius of the lake have been ordered to evacuate, and containment isn’t expected until mid-fall. Crews are scrambling to set up long-term firefighting camps — complete with yurts, kitchens, and showers — to prepare for a marathon battle.

Meanwhile, to the west in Star Valley, the Willow Creek Fire exploded over the weekend, ballooning from just 30 acres on Friday to almost 4,000 acres by Saturday night. Flames licked the pavement on US 89, forcing an hours-long highway closure at Salt River Pass and creating a miles-long backup.

State Sen. Dan Dockstader, who owns the Star Valley Independent, described a fiery standoff at the pass:

“All of a sudden — whoosh — explosions. Some trees burst orange, others white. It was creating its own weather system up there, like mini tornados.”

Crews managed to hold the line at the highway, but residents south of Smoot were told to evacuate. A National Guard shelter opened in Afton, though many locals just leaned on friends and neighbors for a place to stay.

Despite a brief assist from rain and even hail on Sunday, the Willow Creek Fire remains 0% contained. Officials say keeping the blaze west of US 89 is the top priority, though drivers are warned more closures are possible. And if you’re thinking about pulling over to watch the show? Don’t. Officials say gawkers on the roadside are putting firefighters at risk.

Back at Dollar Lake, the fire is chewing through old lodgepole pine — perfect fuel for long-range spotting and those terrifying “crown runs” that leap from treetop to treetop. Outfitter camps, hay sheds at the Green River Lakes elk feedground, the lodge, and cabins in the valley are all in the fire’s potential path.

A community meeting is set for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Sublette County Library to update residents. For now, the message is clear: stay clear of the burn zones, brace for smoky skies, and hope the forecasted rain does more than dampen the ash.

With input from WyoFile, Buckrail, Cowboy State Daily, County 10.