WYOMING – Firefighters on the Badger Creek Fire were able to make headway today as cooler weather and higher humidity helped slow the blaze that has now reached 20,088 acres with 62% containment.
The increase in acreage from previous days is a result of more accurate mapping, and not due to fire spread on Saturday. On Saturday, firefighters strengthened sections of control line along the northern and eastern edge, and monitored and patrolled areas that are now contained. Firefighters continued to patrol in the communities affected by the Badger Creek Fire; extinguishing remaining hot spots near structures and other values at risk.
Although the operational tempo has shifted because of the weather, this is still a full suppression fire. Firefighters will continue to strengthen control lines along Hwy 230, uncontained sections of line to the south, and areas on the eastern edge where they can do so safely. Fire engines will continue to patrol communities throughout the day.
On Sunday, Rocky Mountain Team Black will support Albany County’s efforts to begin allowing residents back into some of the evacuated areas. Residents of Fox Park and Miller Lake can meet Albany County officials at the Albany Fire Station at 8am to be escorted into the communities to address any needs they may have. These areas will remain under evacuation. Residents will not be allowed to stay at their homes. As opportunities allow for residents to safely re-enter other communities, fire managers will work with Albany County to support those efforts.
The specialized aircraft that was using Lake Hattie to scoop water is no longer being used to support the fire suppression efforts. As a result, boating on Lake Hattie is no longer prohibited.
The Badger Creek Fire is a full suppression fire. This is accomplished by implementing strategies and tactics where and when firefighters can be successful at the lowest risk to accomplish the objectives of minimizing negative impacts to structures, private property, infrastructure, and natural and cultural resources.
The fire got approximately .02” of rain Saturday. Another possible 0.5” throughout the day today. An increase in relative humidity will help to diminish fire behavior; however, the amount of rainfall could make travel and firefighting activities challenging. Winds will be out of the east-northeast at 7 to 11 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. The increased moisture is expected to persist through Monday before a drying trend moves into the area on Tuesday.
