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Sprinklers now set up south of highway
By Carole Cloudwalker
This document was published online on Monday, August 11, 2008
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| A Canadian air-crane helicopter arrived at Yellowstone Regional Airport last week to help with fire suppression on the Gunbarrel Fire. (Photo by Ken Blackbird) |
Fearing the Gunbarrel Fire might shift west and south, firefighters were placing sprinklers near cabins in some drainages south of the highway Monday, a Shoshone Forest spokesman said.
Sprinklers have been placed around cabins at Mormon Creek and now are being installed at Eagle Creek, Kitty Creek and the Buffalo Bill Boy Scout Camp.
Mild weather kept fire activity to a minimum Saturday, though there was some burning at the southwest corner, backing along Libby Creek.
Although light rain fell on the fire area Friday night, crews found and put out one small lightning start.
With completion of contingency lines near Libby Creek and cleaning up around structures, all actions consistent with long-term management of the fire have been completed, fire information officers said.
Line crews and engines now will be staged at the Fishhawk Trailhead to provide a quick response where necessary.
Weather is predicted to be warmer and drier with more wind, which will allow firefighters to see where hot spots are located.
Todd Pachota, Incident Commander trainee on the Gunbarrel Fire, said the weather “will allow the fire to show its hand.”
As planned management actions are completed, fire fighting resources are being released to other incidents or to their home units.
The helicopter base near Wapiti will be closed and air operations will be based out of Yellowstone Regional Airport.
Although little activity has occurred on the fire for several days, there still is a potential for active burning and fire growth once warmer, drier weather returns, fire officials said.
Firefighters likely will occupy the base camp near Wapiti Ranger Station on the North Fork for the long haul unless the camp is moved to another location if fire conditions warrant, a spokesman said. Either way, firefighters are settling in for the long-term task of firefighting and monitoring.
The Gunbarrel Fire was mapped at 39,000 acres Sunday. Suppression costs have risen to $3.4 million for the fire, which began as a July 26 lightning strike in the North Absaroka Wilderness.
The Gunbarrel Fire originally was being managed as a beneficial use wildland fire until it crept toward several lodges and summer cabins, forcing evacuations and prompting protection activities including placement of sprinklers around some structures.
Structures the fire has claimed include all buildings at the former Sweetwater Lodge, which was unoccupied, and a vacant dog house near a summer cabin.
The Gunbarrel Fire continues to burn in 80 percent beetle-killed timber primarily in the wilderness north of the highway.
Resources working on the fire, though they may mobilize and demobilize frequently, include four 20-person hot shot crews, two Type 2 crews, two heavy helicopters, one medium helicopter, two light helicopters, 17 engines and about 350 personnel.
Meanwhile, Yellowstone Park's 9,320-acre LeHardy Fire is moving to the backcountry and no longer is considered a threat to developed areas around Fishing Bridge.
Yellowstone fire officials will continue to monitor the LeHardy Fire, but protective wrap has been removed from some backcountry cabins and seismic equipment.
Crews will continue to clear hazardous trees charred along park trails, but sprinklers in the Fishing Bridge area were being removed and crews will begin demobilizing, according to a final fire update issued Monday.
Another major area blaze, the Cascade Fire, remains about six miles west of Red Lodge.
A Type 3 team is fighting the fire and also managing the 380-acre Tumble Creek Fire approximately 40 miles to the west, a blaze which is considered 100 percent contained.
The Cascade Fire has charred 10,170 acres and is 85 percent contained.
Some closures and use restrictions are in place, as are some roadblocks leading to areas burned by the Cascade Fire.
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Terri Dewell wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:44 AM: