WYOMING – The Badger Creek Fire remained active on Thursday. The fire has grown to 14,960 acres with no containment.
Crews and dozers continued to make progress building fire line on the west and south edge of the fire yesterday. On the northern edge of the fire along Hwy 230, crews built fire line along the road. During the night firefighters took advantage of cooler temperatures and lighter winds to secure that line by backfiring between the fire’s edge and the line secured along Hwy 230.
Helicopters were used on Thursday to assist firefighters on the ground with water drops to cool hot spots. Firefighters continued to work in and around communities on Thursday, assisted by helicopters providing water drops. There was no new structure damage reported.
Today, crews and dozers are expected to continue to strengthen and build line on the south, west and north portions of the fire. On the east side of the fire, the fire is transitioning from dense timber into grass and sage. Fire intensity is expected to decrease in the lighter fuels; however, access for firefighters is limited because of the steep terrain and fire-weakened trees along the roads into these areas.
Crews will continue to protect structures and other values at risk on Friday. On the west side of the fire, crews are addressing hot spots within the communities. To the east, crews are mitigating the threat of fire to communities and other values where the fire has not yet reached.
Super scoopers are working in Lake Hattie, so boaters are still prohibited there. Fishing from shore is okay.
All previous closures and evacuation orders remain in effect.
There are 349 personnel currently assigned to the event.
A public meeting has been scheduled for Saturday, June 16 at 2:00pm at the Albany County Fairgrounds.
