Gunbarrel Fire Update 8-28-08 0900
Incident: Gunbarrel Wildland Fire
Released: 8/28/2008
Fire Update
Gunbarrel Fire
August 28, 2008 9 a.m.
866-588-5206
For Immediate Release
Date started: July 26, 2008 Cause: Lightning
Location: 30 miles west of Cody, WY Size: 59,147 acres
Percent Contained: 13% Estimated Containment: October 15, 2008
Number of Personnel: 364 Helicopters: 7
Cost to Date: $7,800,000 Injuries to Date: 3
General Information
Paul Broyles' Great Basin National Incident Management Team assumed management responsibility for the Gunbarrel Fire from Bill Hahnenberg's Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team this morning at 6 a.m. The Incident Command Post has moved from the Wapiti Work Center to Buffalo Bill State Park. The Gunbarrel Fire is currently burning on lands administered by the Shoshone National Forest.
Yesterday's Activity
High winds and low humidities created extreme fire activity on several portions of the fire. Some areas were impacted by westerly winds of up to 45 mph. This caused the fire to continue its movement to the northeast to near the Robbers' Roost Creek Drainage. The high winds also grounded most helicopter support. Crews were successful in their burnout operations Tuesday night near the Elephant Head Lodge area, allowing the Park County Sheriff's Office to rescind the evacuation advisory Wednesday evening. Crews also continued structure protection measures along the North Fork Shoshone River Corridor and made preparations for additional protection on other areas of the fire.
Due to the increased fire activity, smoke impacted the town of Cody and surrounding areas. This situation may continue for the next few days with the forecasted winds and fire behavior.
Today's Planned Activity
Crews will continue structure protection on areas of the fire where needed. Helicopter support will aid their efforts if wind conditions permit. Mop-up operations will continue in the vicinity of Elephant Head Lodge. A structure assessment will be initiated in the Dead Indian Creek Drainage to determine what resources will be needed to protect residences and buildings should the fire move into that area.
Today's Forecasted Weather
Temperatures: Mid 60's. Humidities: 10 -15 %. Winds: Out of the west at 15 mph with gusts up to 25 mph.
Closures/Advisories/Evacuations
Goss Creek Lodge remains in an evacuation advisory. The evacuation advisory for Elephant Head Lodge was rescinded late yesterday afternoon. The closure area on the Shoshone National Forest extends from the Sweetwater Drainage to the forest boundary and north almost to Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. An area along Rattlesnake Creek remains open to the public.
