Fact Sheet for Saturday, August 2
Incident: Gunbarrel Wildfire
Released: 8/2/2008
Gunbarrel Fire
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Fire Activity: The 15,500-acre fire was more active yesterday than fuel conditions and area weather would typically imply. Several pulses spread downhill and to the south, despite upper winds pushing the fire northeast. The fire is large enough that at times it is a strong influence on nearby weather. Today's forecast includes a red flag fire warning for strong, dry winds.
Gunbarrel Fire behind the Blackwater Firefighters' Memorial
Management Actions: Firefighters expect a second day of high-energy firefighting today. Yesterday afternoon and evening as fire approached they burned out around some of Absaroka Lodge and for about a mile along the highway. Water drops from several helicopters supported them.
Today firefighters plan similar operations. Patrol, preparations, and burn out are planned around buildings from Goff Lodge to Aspen Creek, including in Moss Creek. Locations will evolve in response to fire behavior.
North Fork Highway (14-16-20) is open. Pilot cars are escorting traffic near the fire.
Evacuation Expectations: Early yesterday evening as the fire came closer to Elephant Head and Absaroka Lodges, about 85 guests and employees left as planned. As fire intensity increased, an advisory was issued to more campers, lodge guests, cabin owners and others in the area about the potential for additional evacuations today. The advisory is for residents on both sides of the canyon from Wapiti Ranger Station to Chimney Rock.
Staffing: 142 people are working full-time on the Gunbarrel fire, including two additional crews and five engines that arrived yesterday. A fire overhead team with more managers to support the growing number of firefighters has also been ordered. Park County engine crews staffed the fire during the night.
Location: 40 miles west of Cody, Wyoming. An area closure is in effect in part of the North Absaroka the Wilderness.
Fire information at 307-578-5199 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/shoshone/.
Email gunbarrelfire@gmail.com if you'd like this update emailed daily.
