News Release: 06/27/12
Incident: Russells Camp Fire Wildfire
Released: 6/27/2012
News Release June 27, 2012 9:00 a.m. (MST)
Contact: Laura McConnell, PIO
Information office 307-212-4844·
·Staffed 8:00 a.m. - 8 p.m. (24 hour recorded message)
Fire Crews Briefed: Stay Safe, Stay Alert and Keep Focused
Tuesday's suppression activities on the Russell's Camp Fire went to go well despite strong, gusting winds. Fire crews did experience wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour (mph), however containment lines held. Heat still remains on the south end of the fire in Division D. Russell's Spike Campwas closed yesterday since fire operations in that area are in the mop-up stages and the camp is no longer necessary. A spike camp, or line camp, is still in place near Elk Lake. Fire crews continued to reinforce containment lines. Unburned pockets of fuel still exist within the fire perimeter, and winds resulted in increased fire activity in these areas. Crews continued to use direct attack tactics and constructed lines in Divisions L and N.
At this morning's briefing crews were reminded of the anniversary of the creation of Paul Gleason's L.C.E.S. (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones) education to firefighters. Crews were reminded to remain alert and focused as hazards still exist. Firefighters still face challenges of snag trees, steep and rocky terrain, as well as dehydration concerns.
Today's weather will continue to challenge containment lines. A Red Flag Warning is in place again today. Upslope winds are expectedbut will be affected by terrain and slope. Fire crews can expect winds of 20-30 mph with possible gusts of 45 mph.
Wednesday's operations will include:
Division A (south/east): Division D (west): Division F (west): No change - Minimal fire activity is expected. Crews will continue to hold and improve lines. Crews will also begin mopping up[i] in areas of containment in these divisions.
Division L: (northwest) unburned pockets of fuel may flare up and burn out. Short range spotting may occur. Steep rocky terrain is presentingchallenges to firefighters.
Division N: (northeast) Mop up continues in all areas of this division. There is still potential for fire spread in the area. Engines will be available to assist as needed.
Air Operations: Aviation resources are available to assist fire crews as needed, and will patrol Division F. Bucket work will be provided as operational needs persist.
Road closures are in place and closed to all recreation traffic. We ask that the public respect the need for the closures and find alternate routes of travel. Please be aware of heavy traffic related to the incident along Cold Springs Road. Road blocks will be in place on the road near the Converse County and Albany County line, County Road #62 (Little Medicine Road), and County Road#24 (Cold Springs Road) & near the bottom of Cold Springs Road.
Evacuations:
There is no serious threat to the Fetterman Road. Residents living along this area can return to their homes/cabins. If conditions were to change voluntary evacuations will be reinstated. Volunteer evacuations are still in place for homes/cabins along Meadow Creek Road, and Cold Springs Road south of Meadow Creek Road. Residents who choose to evacuate their homes are asked to contact the Converse County Sheriff's Office to advise them.
Fire stats at a glance:Start Date: June 17th, 2012
Containment: 45%
Cause: Under investigation/Possible Lightning
Acreage: 5,466
Personnel: 605
Crews: 16
Cooperating Agencies: Converse County, USFS, State of Wyoming
Aviation: (4) Type 1, (1) Type 2 & (2) Type 3 Helicopters
Engines: 28
Dozers: 2
Water Tenders: 4
Injuries: 2 (minor heat related, knee injury)
Structures destroyed: 0
Structures/outbuildings threatened: 20
Unit Identifiers: 138 (number of agencies/units assisting)
[1] Mopping Up - Extinguishing or removing burning material near the control lines, felling snags, and trenching logs to prevent rolling after a fire has burned, to make a fire safe, or to reduce residual smoke. NWCG Glossary of Wildland Fire Terminology: http://tinyurl.com/WildlandFireTerms
