Index Creek fire, others make for smoky skies

A fire burning just south of the Montana border near the Beartooth Highway has hit about 100 acres in size, Shoshone National Forest officials announced this (Thursday) morning. The Index Creek Fire is burning in heavy timber off U.S. Highway 212, Fire Information Officer Olga Troxel said in a morning news release, and it's just one of several fires burning in the region and contributing to the smoky skies.


The National Weather's Service office in Riverton has put together this nifty graphic explaining where the smoke is coming from:

The Fox Creek Campground is closed to the public as a result of the Index Creek Fire, and the Shoshone is implementing fire restrictions beginning Sunday.


The section of road between Fox Creek Campground and Index Creek is currently open but its status could change based on weather and fire behavior, Troxel said. Travelers are asked to drive with extreme caution. For public and firefighter safety, drivers are asked to slow down and not stop as they drive through the area.


Today’s weather is expected to be hotter and drier than yesterday with wind gusts to 25 miles per hour, so smoke will be visible throughout the day, Troxel said.


One hotshot crew, three engines, and two helicopters are working to suppress the fire and additional firefighting resources have been ordered. Tim Haas is currently the incident commander, while a Type III team will be arriving to take over management of the fire on Friday.


The fire was caused by a downed power line and was reported Tuesday, June 26.


Information and updates on the Index Creek Fire are be available on the Shoshone forest's website and on Inciweb.org.