SUBLETTE COUNTY, WYO – Infrared flyover last night showed moderate growth on the Roosevelt Fire and, encouragingly, none to the north or east toward Bondurant, Dell Creek, or the highway.
The fire is now at an estimated 51,864 acres with 35% containment. There are 1,074 attached to the incident utilizing 5 Type I helicopters, 2 Type II helicopters, 3 Type III helicopters, 56 engines, 6 dozers, and 12 water tenders. Various fixed-wing aircraft also continue to fly the event on a daily basis.
Changes from yesterday
Highway 189/191 is fully closed today while burnout operations continue. The closure will be for an undetermined amount of time but could reopen late today with the use of a pilot escort car. The closure points are at Stinking Springs and Daniel Junction. Residents are allowed through the closure points, but no one is allowed to pass through from Bondurant to Daniel Junction or vise-versa. The Bondurant Post Office is open today.
The Evacuation Level in Zone 3 (Bondurant: Dell Creek, including Pfisterer Ranch south to Robinson Butte) has been reduced to SET. Residents in that area are allowed to return.
Damage assessment continues today in Hoback Ranches. The Sheriff’s Office completed the assessment on 125 homes of the 153 homes within the Hoback Ranches. Of the 125 homes assessed, 46 have been lost. Additionally, one historic cattle structure was lost in the Rolling Thunder area. The damage assessment will continue today and property owners will be notified by the Sheriff’s Office.
Power has been shut off to Kendall Valley/Upper Green. The powerline was de-energized for firefighter safety as they work immediately under the powerline. Power will be restored as soon as possible and Lower Valley Energy is actively working to ensure the powerline is intact today.
Persons in need of donated items, or wishing to donate can contact Roosevelt Fire Aid at rooseveltfireaid@gmail.com. The Bondurant Community Club, Red Cross, Lions Club, Sublette Chamber and the Wyoming VOAD have formed this group to provide aid.
Today’s challenges
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today. Fire managers continue to reinforce containment lines on all sides of the fire. The focal points of effort today are at the head of the fire along Highway 189/191 in the Rim area; in the Rolling Thunder area on the south side of the fire; and in Kilgore Creek/Upper Hoback on the north side of the fire.
In these areas, firefighters are continuing to conduct burnout operations as necessary to further secure fire lines. The interior areas of the fire continue to burn—this produces a fair amount of smoke during the afternoon and evening.
In the Rolling Thunder area, the fire did not move towards Jim Bridger Estates. In Upper Hoback and the Kilgore Creek area, fire intensity remained low and the fire has not moved to the north. In Hoback Ranches, firefighters continued to knockdown hotspots to further secure homes; Lower Valley Energy will work in the area today to survey damage to the electrical grid and begin to make repairs.
Cell phone communications have been restored at Kismet Point for Verizon and Union cellular.
All evacuation areas are being reviewed today with the intent to reduce levels as soon as possible. No additional reduction in levels is expected for today, other than in Zone 3 as previously stated.
Watch closely as a moose runs from the flames thrown by the Roosevelt Fire in this video taken by Clay Stephens, Twin Falls BLM – GB Team 6.
