Gilead Fire Update 09/20/2012
Incident: Gilead Wildfire
Released: 9/20/2012
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 42%
Forest Service Area closure: The area closure and map are available at Bighorn National Forest offices, www.fs.usda.gov/bighorn/ and www.inciweb.org/incident/3220/
Overview: The Gilead Fire began August 14 with a lightning strike on the Bighorn National Forest. A hotshot crew, a helicopter and local firefighters reconned the fire and determined that the terrain and heavy fuels did not allow for safe access and egress for firefighters. 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: The fire was creeping and smoldering with isolated torching. Line construction continued with burnout operations where needed. Helicopters were used to keep fire in check.
Today's planned events/actions: Hold and improve completed line on south flank. Construct hand line around the east side of the southern-most finger of the fire, and line the spot fire located to the south. Complete burnout operation along the south flank. Engines and other resources are in the area of Paradise Guest Ranch for structure protection if needed.
Weather outlook: Today's forecast calls for 9-15mph winds, with gusts to 20 mph; humidity 22-27%, with cooler temperatures in the 61-66 degree range. Due to burning operations, smoke may be visible on the fire today.
Current resources: Three helicopters; one air attack; the Roosevelt, Pike, Alpine, and San Juan Hotshots; four engines; and the Incident Management Team. The cost to date is $2.7 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; 35,582 hours of work with no injuries.
