USDA Forest Service - Shoshone National Forest

10/16/2026

Our hearts go out to the Gallagher and U.S. Forest Service - Kisatchie National Forest family.

It is with very heavy hearts that we share the news that on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, wildland firefighter, Kaitlyn “KK” Gallagher, 24, of Alexandria, Louisiana, died in the line of duty when she was struck by a tree while responding to the Broken Creek Fire, a 10-acre wildfire now contained, which was in Rapides Parish on the Kisatchie National Forest.

“As we experience this terrible tragedy, our prayers are with KK’s family, friends, and all who knew her,” said Lisa Lewis, Forest Supervisor. “The loss of KK is deeply felt throughout the Forest Service, the entire wildland fire community, and our local community. We extend our deepest condolences to everyone who was touched by her life.”

KK joined the U.S. Forest Service as a Wildland Firefighter Apprentice in 2025. She spent two summers on the Shoshone National Forest in Wyoming, serving on both engine and wildland fire modules. While working for the Kisatchie National Forest, KK assisted with prescribed burns and responding to wildfires. Her joy for life, heart for service, and love of outdoors made her a valued member of the U.S. Forest Service. Her family stated that KK’s passion was sharing her faith in Jesus, a passion she lived out while helping shape young lives as a Youth Leader at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church and Girls Basketball and Softball coach at Holy Savior Menard High School, both in Alexandria.

The Forest Service is providing support to KK’s family, crewmates and other affected employees. The Forest Service Honor Guard is standing with KK’s family and providing a flag memorial service honoring her.

10/15/2026

Did you know that there are approximately 1650 miles of trail throughout the Shoshone National Forest, many of those spread across the 1.4 million acres that comprise our 5 Wilderness areas?

Clearing trails in the wilderness is no small feat. A huge thanks to our trail crews, volunteers, and partners that help out with these efforts.

10/09/2026

Just a heads up smoke may be visible from the Dubois area.

10/08/2026

Be aware! Anticipated snow this weekend will close the Beartooth Highway earlier than planned.

In anticipation of a winter storm this weekend, U.S. Highway 212 will close Friday at 2:30 p.m. Depending on the storm, the road is scheduled to reopen next week.

The Beartooth Highway closes for the 2026 season on Oct. 13, 2026.

10/07/2026

What a fun day when we get to share with the community… and families

10/05/2026

UPDATE 10/7/26 1730: The fire is 100% contained. This will be the final update unless significant changes occur.

UPDATE 10/6/26 2030: An update to the size, the Spout Springs Fire is 1.7 acres. Crews made good progress today securing the fire. They will return again tomorrow to continue their efforts.

The Spout Springs Fire has been reported just south of Pat O’Hara Peak, north-west of Cody. It is currently estimated at 5 acres. 1 engine is on scene with additional crews and aviation support on their way to suppress the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown.

Please let this serve as a reminder to be careful with any possible ignition sources. Grass and shrub fuel types are readily available to burn and any new start can spread quickly.

09/26/2026

As the temperatures drop and hunting season is in full swing we understanding that warming fires are sometimes needed. That being said, PLEASE ensure your fire is completely out before leaving. Every year there are multiple instances where a warming fire is left abandoned and causes a wildfire. This is not only illegal, it is costly to suppress and also puts firefighters unnecessarily in harms way.

Please do your part and drown, stir, and feel. If it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

*Pictures for attention

09/26/2026

UPDATE 9/29 1400: The Rand Creek Fire is now 100% contained, this will be the final update unless significant changes occur.

UPDATE 9/29 0900: The Rand Creek Fire remains at 3/4 of an acre. It received precipitation yesterday which will aid firefighters efforts in mopping up and securing the fire.

UPDATE 9/27 2000: Firefighters were able to get saw and hand line around the fire today. They will continue to mop up and secure the perimeter tomorrow. The fire remains at 3/4 of an acre.

UPDATE 9/26 1915: The fire is now estimated at 3/4 of an acre. Additional firefighters will be inserted tomorrow to aid in hazard tree mitigation and continue suppressing the fire.

The Rand Creek Fire was discovered this morning. It is estimated to be 1/4 acre in size and approximately 2 miles south west of the town of Wapiti WY. 9 personnel assisted by aviation are suppressing the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. Please do not report.

09/11/2026

UPDATE 9/21 18:00
The fire is 100% contained. This means that with current and expected fire behavior and weather conditions the fire will stay in its footprint. Thanks for all the hard work from local and out of area firefighters. Even with the precipitation that fell over the fire, othe Telephone Fire is not out and smoke will likely be visible in the coming weeks. This will be the final update unless significant changes occur.

UPDATE 9/17 19:45
Mop up continued today. Due to their diligent efforts, firefighters have been able to achieve 70% containment.

UPDATE 9/16 20:00
Suppression efforts are progressing nicely. Firefighters have been able to secure the fire with hand line and a hose lay. They are currently mopping up the fires edge and patrolling the area around the fire perimeter for spot fires. There has been no significant growth to the fire.

UPDATE 9/13 17:30
Due to the remote nature of the fire there has been a lot of logistical preparations that have taken place. Helispots have been cut removing the need for a two and half hour hike. A hose lay has been established to the fire’s edge. And sawyers are working to remove dangerous snags from the fires edge. There has been minimal growth since the last mapping flight. 65 personnel are assigned to the fire.

UPDATE 9/12 9:30
The fire was mapped at 23 acres last night. Firefighters were able to minimize the spread of the fire yesterday with assistance from multiple types of aviation. They will continue their efforts to contain the fire, as we expect another day for dry and windy conditions.

UPDATE 9/11 11:00
The fire is estimated at 30 acres. Two hand crews have arrived and are being briefed on the operation. Additional aviation support is also on order. With increased winds expected today the focus of operations is to keep firefighters safe and growth to a minimum.

The Telephone fire was reported this afternoon. It is located in the Wiggins Fork area north of Dubois, WY. It is estimated at 5 acres and local resources are on scene working to suppress the fire. Additional crews and aviation support have been ordered for tomorrow’s shift.

Follow this post for updates.

09/11/2026

After months of hard work and strong partnerships between the Shoshone National Forest, and Wyoming State Trails Bureau of Land Management - Wyoming, we are proud to share that the Morrison Jeep Trail will open tomorrow (9/11/26) for public use!

With the expected increase in interest we ask that if you are not making the full loop and only doing an “out and back” that you go up in the morning and down in the late afternoon.

Construction will continue along the lower trail leading to the switchbacks but this will not imped use. The upper trail leading to HWY 212 will get its turn at maintenance next summer.

As a reminder, this is still very much a technical “jeep trail” not suitable for most vehicles. Additionally, all vehicles must stay on designated roads and trails within the Clarks Fork Wild River Cooridor.