SUBLETTE COUNTY, WYO – Acreage and fire fighting forces continue to build on the Roosevelt Fire. The incident is now at an estimated 54,071 acres with 35% containment. A total of 1,155 are assigned to the fire.
What’s open, what’s not
Highway 189/191 is closed from 7am to 9pm, daily. It is open for public travel from 9pm to 7am. The closure is necessary for firefighter and public safety.
The Bondurant Post Office is open.
The Evacuation Level in Zone 1 and 2 will be reduced today to the SET level. Sublette County Sheriff’s Office will let Buckrail know when it is effective. Yesterday the evacuation level in Zone 3 was reduced to the SET level.
The Initial Damage Assessment has been completed in Hoback Ranches. A total of 55 homes, and one historic cattle structure, have been lost.
Power is planned to be restored to Kendall Valley/Upper Green by noon today if no further issues are identified.
Thursday’s progress
Fire activity continued in the timber fuels for most of Wednesday night until the effects of the morning inversion dominated fire behavior. The inversion mixed out late morning leading to active fire growth yesterday on the southwest and east ends of the fire.
Wind conditions in the afternoon produced active fire behavior with widespread torching, crowning, and spotting in the timbered areas on the southwest and east sides of the fire. Backing and interior burnout occurred throughout the fire area. During the peak burning period the fire exhibited high spread rates and flame lengths.
Today’s plan of attack
Fire managers continue to reinforce containment lines on all sides of the fire. The focal point of effort today is on the southwest side of the fire in the North Dry Beaver Creek area where fire activity increased yesterday due to strong west winds. Firefighters are conducting burnout operations to secure containment lines to hold the fire west of Jim Bridger Estates—additional resources have been allocated to this effort.
The Sheriff’s Office has re-emphasized its GO evacuation level for Zone 8 (Jim Bridger Estates). Residents of Jim Bridger Estates should not be within the evacuation zone.
At the head of the fire along Highway 189/191 in the Rim area, firefighting efforts have been successful in holding the fire south of the highway. In Kilgore Creek/Upper Hoback on the north side of the fire, fire lines are holding and the threat has been reduced.
In all areas, firefighters are continuing to shore up fire lines to further secure the fire. Interior areas of the fire continue to burn. This produces a fair amount of smoke during the afternoon and evening.
In Hoback Ranches, recovery efforts continue today in preparation of an organized re-entry of residents into the area. Lower Valley Energy and Rocky Mountain Energy are working to restore destroyed infrastructure, while firefighters continue to clear dangerous snags and put out hotpots of fire as they occur. These efforts will continue for a number of days until it is safe for residents to return.
Weather forecast
Continued Red Flag conditions with slightly warmer temperatures will produce higher spread rates and growth potential. Potential will be more driven by particularly favorable terrain and wind alignments, and location of the fire on the terrain. Afternoon wind direction (W to NW) will continue the growth potential on the eastern and southeastern.
Donations
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 assistance. Be cautious of scams asking for donations.
