Update for September 4, 2012
Incident: Gilead Wildfire
Released: 9/4/2012
Fire information
Phone 307.684.2161 or www.inciweb.org/incident/3220/
Fire location
About 8 miles southwest of Story, Wyo.
Size
1,720 acres
Cause
Lightning
Area closure: The area closure and map are available at Bighorn Nation Forest offices, www.inciweb.org/incident/3220/, and www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn/
Overview: The Gilead Fire began with a lightning strike August 14 on the Bighorn National Forest, about 10 miles northwest of Buffalo, Wyoming. The San Juan Hotshots, a helicopter, and local firefighters reconned the fire, determining that the terrain precluded putting firefighters on the ground. Helicopter bucket drops continued for the better part of two weeks. On August 29, the fire grew significantly, from 15 acres to about 700 acres. Chuck Russell's type 3 incident management team assumed command of the fire on August 30.
Yesterday's events/actions: The fire grew to the east and northeast yesterday. Crews completed direct line on the northeast side of the fire and completed indirect line on existing trails - this line will be used to hold the fire in those areas. Sprinklers were installed on the most closely-threatened structures on the southwest side, and wrapped the most closely-threatened structure on the northeast flank.
Planned events/actions: Line construction will continue on the northeast flank. Helicopter rappelers will develop a second helispot. Firefighters will scout containment opportunities on the southeast flank, and continue to assess structures, fuels, access, and water sources in the area between the fire and Story. The Alpine Hotshots will arrive today. Since hand crews are the more appropriate resource for the fire's location (and were not available earlier), some engines may be released for other assignments.
Weather outlook: Another red flag warning was issued for today. A cold front will impact the area mid-day, with winds shifting to the northwest and gusting to 25. Winds will diminish after sunset. No precipitation is expected through Tuesday night. Temperatures will be in the low 70s.
Current resources: Three helicopters (one light, one medium, and one heavy) two 20-person hotshot crews, one five-person hand crew, one 10-person hand crew, 14 engines, two dozers, and one water tender, for a total of 152 personnel assigned to the fire. A mobile fire retardant base has been set up in Buffalo to allow for quicker turnaround times to the fire for a retardant plane.
Fire danger: Extreme - conditions are very dry
Evacuations/injuries: None
