(Hot Springs County, WY) – The Rocky Mountain 2 Team has shared the Red Canyon Fire update for today, August 22, which indicates the fire has decreased to 124,701 acres since yesterday, and has risen to 48% containment.
566 personnel are currently addressing the fire.
“Yesterday, fire crews achieved significant progress across all divisions supported by low fire activity and slow growth,” today’s update informs. “The reduced fire acreage today is a reflection of crews’ ground-truthing efforts yesterday as well as low heat observed during previous infrared flights.”
Today’s full update is below.
Operations: Across the fire, crews will continue to patrol, mop up, and seek out remaining hotspots, using a drone, which will also help fire managers to identify heat in green islands located on the fire’s north end, between Divs. C and G. Isolated areas of heat have been found in the Guffy Peak area. Activity in Div. H was morequiet as compared to the previous several days, when active fire pushed toward and down Pack Saddle Road, crews used defensive firing to hold the fire inside the current perimeter, and two spots across the road were contained.
Weather: A continued chance of thunderstorms remains over the next few days. Low northerly winds are predicted, with similar temperatures expected as yesterday. The main concern is the potential for dry thunderstorms in the afternoon, which could produce lightning and gusty outflow winds up to 30 mph. Humidity is expected to rise.
Closures: Closures include Buffalo Creek Road at the cattle guard, closed to all traffic, and eastbound Black Mountain Road from Cowboy Mine Road. Updates are available here.
Evacuations: For current evacuation information please refer to Fremont County Emergency Management here, and the Hot Springs County Sheriff’s Office here.
Safety: We encourage property owners to work and in coordination with fire managers. Together, we can reduce risks, keep firefighters focused, and strengthen community safety. A TFR is in place—drones are prohibited. If you fly, we can’t.
The Red Canyon Fire Information Facebook page continues to be an excellent source of information and updates on the fire.