Wildfire In Wyoming - Purdy Fire Threatens Homes

[Phillip Dampier]

Purdy Fire Update Wed., August 16, 2006

11 A.M.
Shoshone National Forest
Bridger-Teton National Forest
Joint Information Center – 307-455-2466

What Happened on Tuesday?

On Tuesday, the Tatanka Hotshots were able to contain two small spot fires on the northeast side of Warm Springs Creek, supported by a Type 1 helicopter, capable of dropping 1,000 gallons of water on every trip. A fire line was constructed on the north side of the fire, but is not yet secured. Fire activity was moderated by overcast conditions and the 0.2 to 0.3 inches of rain that fell in the afternoon.

What is planned for Today?

The Tatanka Hotshots will continue to mop-up the spot fires northeast of warm Springs Creek and check to make sure there are no additional spot fires. Crews will continue to hold and improve lines on the fire’s north side. The south side of the fire is in steep, rugged terrain; fire activity will be monitored from the air. Air resources will be used to control fire spread in this area.

Fire Weather Outlook

A dry cold front is expected to move through the area on Friday, bringing potential for strong winds which could increase fire activity.

What about Evacuations?

No evacuation orders are in place at this time. Engine crews are talking to residents in the Union Pass and Porcupine subdivisions warning them of the potential for explosive fire behavior and suggesting they prepare for evacuation – it could come on short notice.

Fire Statistics

Size: 7,900 acres

Containments: 5%

Costs to Date: $200,000

Resources: 164 personnel, which includes six 13-20 person crews, 4 engine crews, 2 helicopters, and overhead personnel.

There is a shortage of resources nationally due to the number of fires burning across the United States.

What Are We Doing to Protect Homes?

Five engine crews are assigned in the Union Pass and Porcupine subdivisions to assess structural protection and to be ready to assist as needed.

What Can YOU Do?

You can help us protect your home by cleaning up around your property – rake pine needles away from your home and move firewood and other flammables away from your home or deck.

Are There Any Closures?

A temporary closure has been put into effect for a large area surrounding the fire on both the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton National Forests. Please check with a local Forest Service office for more details as the closure boundaries may change based on fire movement.

The closure is for both your safety and the safety of our firefighters. Please respect the closure.

Picture courtesy: Rick Howard, Inciweb & National Wildland Fire Prevention Team

Picture 1: Purdy Fire
Picture 2: Fire nearing Cheyenne

[Phillip Dampier]

Incident: Purdy Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-08-19 14:32:00 EST

Purdy Fire Update Saturday, Aug. 19 – 10 A.M.

Elsewhere in Wyoming, officials went door to door near Dubois to warn people that evacuations may become necessary if the Purdy fire spreads. The fire was growing slowly, but firefighters said the area was susceptible to explosive fire behavior.


Shoshone National Forest

Bridger-Teton National Forest

Friday’s Events

Firefighters continued to make good progress in securing the northern flank of the fire and plan to move into a patrol and monitor status for the northern flank by Sunday.

A short dozer line was built from the east side to provide temporary access for Type 6 engines to begin containing the southeast side of the fire.

There was some moderate growth on the south flank of the fire, as this side remains unstaffed due to rugged terrain, steep canyons, and lack of resources. Fire managers hope to stop the fire as it moves into the South Fish Creek drainage where the terrain is less steep and the vegetation less dense.

What is planned for today?

North: Crews will continue to mop-up and look for hot spots within the perimeter.

East: The Tantanka and Wyoming Hotshot crews will continue building hand line and securing the perimeter.

Southeast: Burnout and mop-up operations will continue.

Structure protection specialists are continuing with assessments of homes south along the Highway 26 corridor from the 532 road, and developing strategies for protecting homes in cooperation with Fremont County fire officials.

Fire Weather Outlook

A high pressure system is expected to remain over the area for the next 4-5 days. Temps. are expected to remain around 70 degrees with nighttime temperatures in the low 30s.

Fire Statistics

Size: 9,400 acres (1,250 on Shoshone NF and 8,150 on Bridger-Teton NF)

Containment: 25%

Structures Threatened: 300

Costs to Date: $1,412,000

Resources: 340 personnel, including six 8 to 20 person crews, 19 engine crews, 1 water tender, 6 helicopters, 2 dozers, and overhead personnel.

What is a Spike Camp?

Due to the remoteness of the Purdy fire, firefighters have been camped in spike camps. The crews were flown by helicopter to open meadows near the fire from which they then walked into pre-determined camps and spend the next 3-4 days. This allows them to spend less time in the air traveling and also quicker access to the fireline.

Firefighters carried MREs or meals-ready-to-eat for their breakfast and then helicopters returned later in the day with lunches and dinners. The helicopters then backhauled the trash so that bears were not attracted into camp.

Picture 1: Fire near Horse Creek
Picture 2: Purdy fire

[Phillip Dampier]

Wind could help fire spread
By the Star-Tribune staff

Firefighters working to keep a 10,500-acre blaze from reaching several hundred cabins near Union Pass above Dubois were expected to have their hands full today, fire officials said.

Winds of up to 30 mph could bring "critical fire weather conditions" today and Wednesday, and chances are good that the Purdy fire will grow, said fire information officer Pam Wilson.

About 400 firefighters were battling the blaze about 21 miles west of Dubois in both the Shoshone and Bridger-Teton national forests. It's one of several fires in northwest Wyoming that have made for hazy skies in that part of the state, but is by far the biggest.

About 300 structures in the Union Pass area are considered "threatened" by the blaze, but the closest were still about seven to eight miles away, Wilson said early Monday evening. A bigger concern now is that expected southwest winds could push the fire into dense vegetation in the Fish Lake area of the Shoshone forest.

The fire was 35 percent contained on Monday -- essentially just the northern boundary in the Bridger-Teton, Wilson said.

Fire managers were moving people and equipment from Jackson to Dubois to better attack the fire, including catering, shower and supply units that will be set up in Dubois Town Park. They expected to have more than 500 people to fight the fire by today.

A public meeting is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Line Shack located in the Union Pass area. Shoshone National Forest officials and members of the fire management team plan to provide an update on the fire status, structure protection efforts, road and trail closures, and be available to answer questions.