SUBLETTE COUNTY, WYO – Additional resources are being added daily to the Roosevelt Fire. IC Tony DeMasters has 982 personnel at his disposal and enough air support to crowd the skies above the Hoback Rim.
The Roosevelt Fire is at an estimated 50,586 acres with 30%. The cost of fighting the fire is at $12.7 million and mounting.
Burnout operations will continue today which means US 189/191 will remain closed all day, all night. Closure points are at Stinking Springs and Daniel Junction so no travel is possible between Bondurant and Daniel Junction. The highway could reopen Thursday but no guarantees.
Power in the Kendall Valley/Upper Green area has been cut off and will remain so through tomorrow. The powerline was de-energized as it runs adjacent to Highway 189/191 through the Rim area because it poses a safety hazard to firefighters working below the powerline.
Damage assessment in Hoback Ranches continues. Preliminary reports look grim. Of the 50 homes checked on yesterday, 22 were destroyed. The fate of another 103 properties remains unknown until later perhaps later today. Some 25 structures in total have been lost to the blaze.
Cell phone communications have been impacted as fire damaged facilities on Kismet Point. Utility crews announced this morning that Verizon service has now been restored.
What happened yesterday?
For the first day in several weeks, a Red Flag warning did not exist over the fire area yesterday. Fire managers took advantage of the decrease in winds to conduct burnout operation along Highway 189/191 to reinforce the fire line on the north and northeast portion of the fire in the vicinity of Rim Station.
The remainder of the fire area experienced low fire activity and no additional spread to the south, southeast and west. In the area of Rolling Thunder, burnout operations were conducted to further secure the fire line. The fire did not move towards Jim Bridger Estates.
In the Upper Hoback and the Kilgore Creek area, low fire intensity was observed and firefighters continued to tie the open fire line into natural features to prevent fire movement east and west. In Hoback Ranches, low fire intensity continued and firefighters continued to knock down hotspots to further secure homes throughout the area.
What’s in store for today?
A Red Flag warning for high winds and dry fuels has again been issued throughout the fire area for today.
For today’s operations, the focus of effort will remain on the north and northeast sides of the fire in the Rim Station area along Highway 189/191 where burnout operations will continue as weather conditions permit.
In all areas of the fire, firefighters will utilize the morning hours to reinforce the fire line in anticipation of high winds this afternoon.
Burnout operations may take place in the Rolling Thunder and Upper Hoback areas as necessary.
How you can help or get help
Dozens of emails and calls offering everything from 5thwheel temporary living space, to horse pasture, to baked apple pies have come in via email, phone calls, and social media.
Several organizations are helping match volunteer efforts with the needs of evacuees. The Bondurant Community Club, Red Cross, Lions Club, Sublette Chamber, and the Wyoming VOAD are all requesting that those in need or those wishing to offer help, please use the email rooseveltfireaid@gmail.com.
The needs of firefighters are addressed by federal agencies. Nonperishable items like extra socks or a pair of gloves are sometimes appreciated by firefighters but getting these items to them is sometimes challenging.
