Gunbarrel Fire Evening Update: Thursday, August 21
Incident: Gunbarrel Wildland Fire
Released: 8/21/2008
The Gunbarrel Fire is burning actively in the lower portion of the Big Creek drainage. With the strong winds, the smoke column from the fire in the Big Creek drainage can be seen east toward Cody.
The fire's farthest eastern growth is on the east side of the Big Creek drainage. Winds are predicted to be strong well into the evening, with humidity rising gradually.
The fire therefore will probably spread actively until about sunset. Afterward although the fire will be highly visible in the dark, it is expected to spread more slowly then.
Crews are positioned at Star Hill Ranch and other buildings in the area, where they have been working for several days to strengthen defensible space and install firefighting sprinklers. Additional crews continue to work in Libby Creek and elsewhere on the west end of the fire near the highway. As on previous nights, the fire will again be staffed all night.
Heavy smoke is likely tonight in Cody. We recommend that people air out homes as needed this evening and not leave windows open all night as the smoke is likely to become heavier toward early morning.
We will continue to keep you updated via email. Also there will be a community meeting about the fire tomorrow (Friday, August 22) at 11:00 a.m. at the Gunbarrel Fire Camp. Fire Camp is immediately east of the Wapiti Ranger Station.
