Favorable Winds May Aid Containment Efforts
Incident: Horse Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 6/28/2007
Favorable Winds May Aid Containment Efforts
The Horse Creek Fire, located 27 miles west of Pinedale, continued to burn aggressively on Wednesday due to sporadic winds, low humidity, and very dry burning conditions.
The fire is now estimated at 5,363 acres, burning primarily to the southwest. The fire spread south of Pass Creek and is now well established in Elk Creek.
Fire managers hope to resume burn out operations on Thursday and Friday on the northern and southern flanks of the fire. A burn out operation involves setting fire inside a control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line.
"A much needed stabilizing to a southwest wind pattern instead of the variable flow would greatly aid in the containment efforts. This pattern should set up tomorrow," said Incident Commander Merrill Saleen.
Six lightning strikes were reported south of the fire on Wednesday.
Currently there are 363 firefighters battling the blaze, including 11 crews, 4 helicopters, 15 engines and 2 water tenders.
Smoke in the air over Pinedale will continue to be a factor as a high pressure system with hot temperatures, low humidity, and a Haines index of 5 is predicted for Thursday.
There is one structure threatened by the fire and structure protection is in place. The Horse Creek Road is limited to all but authorized fire personnel. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. For more information, visit http://www.inciweb.org/.
