SUBLETTE COUNTY, WYO – The Roosevelt fire burned actively throughout the night last night, growing to an estimated 31,600 acres.
Most advancement took place at the ‘head’ of the fire as it is pushed northeast toward Hoback Ranches. Tree torching and spotting was observed out ahead of the fire in that direction but gusty and variable winds have driven the fire in all directions.
Windy conditions yesterday afternoon prompted single tree, group torching and numerous crown runs. Fire activity also exhibited advanced to extreme spread rates and flame heights. One structure was lost last night in Hoback Ranches during the fire’s advancement. No injuries have occurred.
Firefighter and public safety is the primary concern in the full-suppression mission to contain the fire. Direct-attack suppression tactics and structure protection in communities are currently being utilized. Dozers are being used to plow wide containment lines through the thick forest undergrowth. Resources continue to arrive to assist existing fire personnel.
EVACUATIONS: The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Order for Upper Hoback, Rolling Thunder, Jim Bridger Estates and Hoback Ranches.
All residents of Rim Ranches near Rim Station are in SET Stage. Gather emergency kit, medications, important papers, photos and pets. Be ready to go in a moment’s notice.
RESOURCES: IC Jeff Knudson has been hitting this event hard with air support. Windy conditions put firefighters on the ground at risk but it has not been too windy to fly, thankfully.
No less than 10 air tankers are flying the Roosevelt along with 2 VLATs, 2 Type 1 heavy helicopters, 1 Type 2 heavy helicopter, 5 Type 3 light helicopters, 11 engines, 4 dozers, and some 259 personnel.
OUTLOOK: Another red flag warning is in affect today for relative humidity below 15 percent and afternoon west winds of 15 mph, gusting to 25 mph. The area around the Roosevelt fire will see cloudy skies with smoke throughout most of the day. Maximum temperatures will be 60 to 65 degrees in most locations.
12 hours – High growth potential. Delayed humidity recoveries in mid-levels will contribute to continued burning in heavy fuels through the night.
24 hours — Continued high spread and growth potential. Potential will be driven by torching and related spotting in timber fuel types. Afternoon wind direction (W) is likely to promote growth on the eastern perimeter, a slight change from previous days.
48 hours — Diminished winds, lower temperatures and somewhat higher RH will produce more moderate spread and growth potential. Potential is more driven by terrain, location of the fire on the terrain and heavy, continuous fuels to the east.
72 hours — Increasing winds, with slightly lowering temperatures. RHs will produce a return to high spread and growth potential. Potential will be driven by torching and related spotting in timber fuel types. Afternoon wind direction (W to SW) will return the growth potential to the northeastern and eastern flanks.
