Gunbarrel Fire Update 08/14/08
Incident: Gunbarrel Wildland Fire
Released: 8/14/2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Gunbarrel Fire
Thursday, August 14, 2008, 7:00 a.m.
Contact: Laura McConnell, Public Information Officer
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team A
NEW PHONE: 1-866-588-5206
Websites: http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/shoshone/
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1439
Incident Email: gunbarrelfire@gmail.com
Yesterday fire management officials held a community meeting with local residents and lodge owners affected by the Gunbarrel Fire. Approximately 85 people were in attendance. Topics of discussion were the resource benefits that areas of the Gunbarrel Fire are receiving, long term strategies and an overview from Incident Commander Don Angell in regards to the current fire management efforts being organized. "You will continue to see an increase and decrease of resources as we manage our efforts to meet the needs of the incident" stated Incident Commander Don Angell.
One topic of discussion during the meeting was the resource benefit to the burned areas. Allowing fire to play its natural role in the wilderness environment is nature's way of cleansing itself. In the future a reduced risk of unwanted fires, better wildlife habitat and fuels reduction will provide the forest with an opportunity to rejuvenate to a healthier state.
Cooler weather today over the Gunbarrel Fire kept activity to a minimum with some activity in Grizzly Creek and the upper portions of Sweetwater Creek. The fire has also burned into areas of Big Creek however crews have been working closely with the owners of the Star Hill Ranch to mitigate any fire hazards.
Fire crews worked in the area of Libby Creek putting in 'scratch' lines, which are similar to containment lines, in an effort to discourage fire advancement.
Today crews will monitor fire activity in the Big Creek area and continue to work on point protection of structures and critical resources. Near Libby Creek crews will monitor fire activity and conduct burnouts as needed.
Gunbarrel Fire Statistics at a Glance:
- Time/Date Started: July 26, 2008
- Location: 40 miles west of Cody, WY north of Hwy 14-16-20.
- Cause: Lightning
- Estimated Cost: $4,400,000
- Fuels: Heavy dead and down timber with 50-80% beetle killed trees in spruce/fir.
- Size: 41,066 acres.
- Resources Committed:
- 1 twenty-person hot shot crew, 1 type two crew, 1 medium helicopter, 1 light helicopter,
6 engines and approximately, 2 water tenders, 151 personnel.
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