The rampaging fire in Island Park that miraculously started was a close call. Families were getting ready for the call saying that it was time to evacuate. The fire was covering sixty acres of the southside of Sawtell Peak on September 2, at 5:00 pm. As of right now, there are ninety-two firefighters from the Wyoming Type 3 Team 5 division, working extra hard to get this fire out. As well as seven engines, two water tenders, and one helicopter. As of September 7th, it had been 60% contained and shrunk in size to cover only 37 acres.

Many people were shocked by the start of the fire and were confused as to the start of it. However, many quickly came to realize it was from a storm; lightning had struck and sparks quickly turned into flames. This caused a panic as the fire was moving quickly towards a subdivision, full of residents and their homes. The fire also spread the other way, trying to go up and over Sawtell Peak. It luckily didn't reach the residents or the top, being contained in time and slowly being put out in small areas. This is when residents stopped being as concerned and were beginning to move on with their lives again.

However, this wasn’t the end. The threat and danger of the fire were still very much alive. It may have been stopped from spreading, but the flames were growing much higher. This caused an issue because firefighters and engines on the ground couldn’t get as close as before so most of the work was left to helicopters and water tenders. Putting more pressure on the pilots for safety and control over the wildfire, and being able to let the people on the ground do their jobs.

The fire calmed down pretty quickly though, shrinking by about 30 or so acres and only having about 40% of the wildfire still burning. Allowing for fewer firefighters and aircraft needed, meaning more people could go home and be safe with their families. The remaining people who are still working get less and less each day as they gain more control over the wildfire that shocked Island Park and its people.

This fire has been going for a little over a week, and will hopefully be put out soon. Henry’s Lake has been used as a source of water to help put out the fire more quickly and efficiently. Luckily, there have been no injuries or severe damage from this wildfire. There is still a possibility of it getting out of control, however, this is very unlikely at this stage. However, as warned, you should familiarize yourself with the evacuation tactics and safety measures for Fremont County.