Gilead Fire Update 09/19/2012
Incident: Gilead Wildfire
Released: 9/19/2012
Fire Information Phone 307-684-2161
or www.inciweb.org/incident/3220/
Fire Location Approximately 8 miles southwest of Story WY and
approximately 10 miles northwest of Buffalo, WY.
Cause Lightning
Size 8050 Acres
Fire Containment 38%
Forest Service Area closure: The area closure and map are available at Bighorn National Forest offices, www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn/ andwww.inciweb.org/incident/3220/
Overview: The Gilead Fire began August 14 with a lightning strike on the Bighorn NF. 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. Suppression efforts have continued since with emphasis on firefighter safety, public safety, and structure protection. Chuck Russell's Type Three Incident Command Team is managing the fire.
Closures: An emergency closure, surrounding the fire perimeter is in effect on the Bighorn National Forest. See www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn/, www.inciweb.org/incident/3220, or any district office for further information.
Yesterday's events/actions: Three Hotshot crews constructed direct and indirect hand line and conducted firing operations along the southern flank of the fire. Smoke was visible from these burning operations. Two new helispots, which will be used for shuttling firefighters and emergency evacuation, were constructed. Helicopters were utilized along the southern flank for bucket drops.
Today's planned events/actions: Crews will hold and improve lines constructed along the southern flank. Scouting will continue in this area for additional line construction. Burning operations to secure indirect fire line and helicopter bucket drop operations along the fire line are planned. Aviation resources will continue to drop water on a 5-acre spot fire above South Rock Creek. Engines and other resources are in the area of Paradise Guest Ranch for structure protection, if needed.
Weather outlook: Today's forecast calls for moderate northwest winds with gusts to 20 mph, humidity 20-25%, with warmer temperatures in the 66 to 71 degree range. Due to hotter and drier weather and burning operations, smoke may be visible on the fire today.
Current resources: Three helicopters; one air attack; the Roosevelt, Pike, Tatanka, and Alpine Hotshots; four engines; and the Incident Management Team. A 20-person hand crew and 10 members of the San Juan Hotshots are scheduled to arrive Wednesday. The cost to date is $2.5 million.
Fire danger: Extreme - conditions are very dry. Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect on the Bighorn NF. See www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn/ for further information.
Firefighter injuries: None; 33,650 hours of work with no injuries.
