SUBLETTE COUNTY, WYO – Here we go. Day 4 on the Roosevelt and Marten fires. All is quiet so far. Both fires bedded down well in the cold overnight lows getting down to 37-39 degree range. Another red flag warning day is expected today, however, as highs should push back into the mid-70s with accompanying wind gusts in the afternoon.
Roosevelt is the blaze everyone is talking about. That is the one causing evacuations of residential areas—most recently Hoback Ranches late yesterday afternoon—and garnering the most attention from aerial support.
The good news is firefighters are able to share air attack assets on the two fires as they are about 25 miles apart as the plane flies. The bad news is everything (about 15 aircraft at this point) flying is pretty much devoted to the Roosevelt as firefighters try to hold the line at Hoback Ranches.
As residents of the community southwest of Bondurant bugged out yesterday they watched two and sometimes four slurry bombers working to coat the dry timber at the northeast perimeter of the fire’s with flame retardant. Over and over they swooped low and dropped their load to the cheering and tears of residents making their way out of harm’s way and leaving their homes behind.
This emotional footage is courtesy of Emily Haigler, who is overcome after seeing firefighting aircraft come to the rescue of her home.
Roosevelt exploded yesterday, quadrupling in size. It is now officially a megafire at 25,168 acres. A Type 2 team led by IC Jeff Knudson took over management of the fire this morning. A total of 255 personnel are now assigned to the Roosevelt with more coming.
Knudson hopes to have the fire under control by the end of the month. It is headed toward old burn scar and less available timber and other fuels but growth potential is listed as “high spread potential” for today.
According to the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, an estimated 230 homes have been affected by evacuation. The Red Cross has set up shelter at the Pinedale LDS Church that has not been utilized as of yet. The Red Cross did assist five families to arrange other shelter locally last night.
“The fire is a dynamic situation. At this point it is unclear when residents of the affected areas will be allowed to return to their homes. Residents from the evacuated area will not be allowed to return to their homes for items or to check their homes until the evacuation has been lifted,” said SCSO’s Travis Bingham. “We have been receiving many offers for additional supplies, housing, and assistance from the community and want to thank everyone who has graciously offered assistance. Many evacuated residents have found shelter with neighboring friends and family members. The Red Cross will be open at the LDS church in Pinedale and be able to provided needed services to evacuees.”
Everyone, it seems, has been pitching in to help.
Displaced residents who left medications behind should get in touch with Altitude Drug to get prescription transfers for most any pharmacy.
The Pinedale Aquatic Center is offering free showers for firefighting personnel and evacuees. Hours are Monday-Friday 5am-8pm, and Saturday 10am-6pm.
Big game rifle and bow hunters displaced by the Roosevelt Fire should contact the Wyoming Game and Fish Department – Pinedale Regional Office for updates. Call (307) 367-4353.
A community meeting will be held at 6:30pm, Thursday, Sept. 20, at the Bondurant Elementary School gymnasium.
