Evacuation order issued in Teton County, Wyoming due to fire

TETON COUNTY, Wyoming -- Teton County Emergency Management has issued an evacuation order for Granite Creek to include Granite Campground, Granite Hot Springs, Jack Pine Summer Homes, and the Safari Club.

Residents and visitors in the area were ordered to evacuate around 3:00 p.m. Monday.

Ron and Connie Palmer were taking down a tent yesterday at the Granite Campground when they say lighting struck and started the fire.

"It was so powerful the lightning bounced both of us out of our boots," Ron Palmer tells EastIdahoNews.com. "It took a while to see the smoke but it's everywhere now."

The Cliff Creek Fire has crossed Shoal Creek and is spotting on the ridge above Granite Creek.

The Incident Management Team believes there is an imminent threat to life and property in Granite Creek.

The Palmer's say around 20 people are hunkering down at Sleeping Indian Outfitters as firefighters work to put out the fire.

"We're just holding tight right now and if we have to flee, we'll be ready," Ron says.

Evacuees can report to the Jackson Hole High School on High School Rd in Jackson to register with the Red Cross for assistance such as food and shelter.

Red Cross personnel should be set up at the High School within the next 2 hours.

Folks are asked not to leave pets behind and if livestock cannot be taken with you, be sure they can leave pastures on their own to get away from the fire.

The Cliff Creek fire is estimated to have burned about nearly 3,000 acres since starting on Sunday.