(Hot Springs County, WY) – The Rocky Mountain 2 Team has shared the Red Canyon Fire update for today, August 23, which indicates the fire currently sits at 124,709 acres since yesterday and has risen to 53% containment.
There are currently 411 personnel on scene.
“Low fire activity and slow growth continued yesterday as fire crews primarily focused on patrolling and mop-up,” tday’s update informs. “Drones were flown over the fire to help identify hotspots and guide ground crews more precisely.”
The full August 23 update is below
Operations: The only division where heat was detected yesterday was Div. H, primarily within interior islands. Crews in Div. C began suppression repair, while Div. O continued patrol and monitoring, with dozers also starting repair work. Div. N remained in patrol status, and in Div. M, structures are secure as crews carried out mop-up in previously burned areas. In Div. H, firefighters focused on patrolling, monitoring, and mopping up where heat was found. Div. G also remained in patrol and monitoring status. To support these efforts, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) were flown to help identify pockets of heat for fire crews to suppress.
Weather: Sunny skies are expected this morning with high temperatures likely reaching the mid-80s. Afternoon thunderstorms could produce lightning and gusty outflow winds.
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. (Evacuations and warnings in Fremont County have been reduced.
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.
For all of County 10’s coverage of the fire, click here.