Gunbarrel Fire Update 9-1-08
Incident: Gunbarrel Wildland Fire
Released: 9/1/2008
Date started: July 26, 2008 Cause: Lightning
Location: 30 miles west of Cody, WY Size: 61,923 acres
Percent Contained: 70% Estimated Containment: October 15, 2008
Number of Personnel: 338 Helicopters: 5
Cost to Date: $10, 300,000 Injuries to Date: 3
General Information
The Gunbarrel Fire is under the management of Paul Broyles' Great Basin National Incident Management Team. Plans are being made for a transition to a Type III organization on Wednesday, September 3. The Incident Command Post is currently located at Buffalo Bill State Park but will be moving back to the Wapiti Ranger Station when the team transition occurs. The fire is currently burning on lands administered by the Shoshone National Forest.
Yesterday's Activity
Fire activity was light with little to no perimeter growth due to cooler temperatures and precipitation. All of the fire area received some rain with amounts varing from a quarter to over a half an inch. Crews concentrated on retrieving pumps, hoses and other equipment from areas of the fire where they are no longer needed. Preparations also began for downsizing the firefighting operation in advance of the forecasted arrival of a cold front and associated precipitation. They also began rehabilitation efforts on areas of the fire that no longer had any fire activity in them.
Today's Planned Activity
Firefighting efforts will be greatly scaled back due to precipitation received yesterday and todays forecast for additional rain. Preparations will be made for a planned transition to a Type III firefighting organization. Remaining crews will continue to retrieve equipment from the fire area. They will also monitor the fire to ensure that firelines are not threatened. The fire information phone number will change after 8:30 pm today. See the new number above.
Today's Forecasted Weather
More precipitation and cooler temperatures are expected over the fire area today.
Temperatures: Mid 50's
Humidity: 60-70%
Winds: Out of the east at 10-15 mph.
Closures/Advisories/Evacuations
There are no evacuation advisories associated with the fire at this time. The North Fork Corridor Road from Cody to Yellowstone (Highways 14-16-20) is open. All business along the road have resumed normal operations. Call specific business for more details. 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. Check with the Shoshone National Forest for more details about forest closures at 307-527-6921.
