(Fremont County, WY) – The Wyoming Bureau of Land Management has shared that Red Flag conditions, characterized by strong gusty winds, low relative humidity, and elevated temperatures, contributed to heightened fire activity and caused wind-driven runs for the Weiser Knoll Fire yesterday, according to the update shared today, August 11.
Today’s release states that an updated fire perimeter map will be posted to the Weiser Knoll Fire incident information page on InciWeb once the fire perimeter can be accurately mapped using data from ground resources and aerial mapping. The perimeter map should be available later today, but the current acreage estimate is still listed at 13,350 acres on the InciWeb page. An Inferred (IR) flight has also been ordered for tonight.
Ground resources are continuing to construct direct containment lines and are utilizing aircraft to seek out and address active areas of the fire and areas of heat, the release also informs. Air resources include 4 Single-Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) performing retardant drops, as well as 2 Type 1 helicopters performing water drops. Coordination continues with local power companies to restore power to the area.
High Plains Power shared on its Facebook page today that a preliminary assessment of damage to the lines is being conducted in areas their crews can safely access, and significant damage has been reported. Crews are currently repairing damaged poles at Twin Creek and Jonny Lees Corner; customers can check for updates here.
The National Weather Service in Riverton issued a Red Flag Warning for Fremont County that remains in effect until 9 p.m. tonight.
Closures / Public Safety
The release states that the BLM is working on creating a closure map for the area, which should also be posted later today.
Twin Creek Rd. is closed to the public and only open to area landowners. Highway WY 28 and US 287 remain open, but motorists are advised to remain alert and yield to fire traffic and crews working in the area. For public and firefighter safety, the public is asked to remain out of and away from the fire perimeter.
Go-Level 3-Evacuation Order remains in place for all residents in the Twin Creek drainage area east of Highway 28 at Jonny Lees Corner and south of Highway 287. Coordination is occurring with area landowners to gain access to private property as needed. For the most up-to-date evacuation information, please visit the Fremont County Wyoming Emergency Management Agency Facebook page.
Residents are also reminded that flying drones is prohibited and can interfere with firefighting aircraft and potentially ground aerial air suppression efforts.
Air Quality & Smoke Information
Widespread smoke will be visible throughout the day. For current air quality forecasts and smoke advisories, click here