Gunbarrel Fire

Gunbarrel Fire

I receive a daily update on the Gunbarrel fire – which is north of the highway between Cody WY and Yellowstone National Park
Start: lighting on July 26

- In spruce/fir and Douglas-fir, with 50-80% dead trees. - 50,615 acres
- 195 people committed:
- 5 crews: 1 hotshot crew, 2 hand crews, and 2 fire use modules
- 3 helicopters: 2 medium and 1 light, 13 engines and 3 water tenders

Today’s update:
Gunbarrel Fire
Sunday, August 24, 2008
2 p.m. update

The pictures were taken while Dale and a friend, Nick, were out fishing on the Northfork River between Cody and Yellowstone last week. The helicopter was picking up water right down the river from where they were fishing. (You should be able to see the red bucket).
Most of the fire is being left to burn in the wilderness. Though they are protecting structures and the road that leads to Yellowstone. About 2 weeks ago the fire had gotten down to the road. They expect the fire to continue until snow comes into the mountains.

Air Tanker Use Likely This Afternoon

This afternoon air tankers may spread fire retardant or water on the east end of the Gunbarrel fire. Their use today depends on a number of factors including air turbulence, mechanical readiness, visibility through smoke, and exact location of the fire’s edges. Four air tankers currently are staged at Missoula airport.

Retardant drops from large airplanes are one of any fire management tactics that are very effective, but only under limited circumstances. One factor that makes heavy air tankers effective are relatively light fuels – grass or open trees rather than heavy forest. Another is topography shallow and simple enough for the low-flying planes to come close to their targets. Neither of these factors have been present on this fire so far, but are now true on the fire’s east edge.

Fire intensity and spread are low so far today. In the continued hot, dry weather the fire is likely to pick up somewhat this afternoon, much as it did yesterday. Multi-mile runs are not expected today.

The retardant drops are part of the preparations being made for possible strong winds again early this week. Other preparations are less visually dramatic but at least as important. Today engine crews are learning details about homes ahead of the fire: road access, existing defensible space, surrounding vegetation, water sources, and more. Also, two crews, three engines, and a water tender are working in and around Libby Creek in an ongoing strategy of gradually securing more of the slow-growing west end of the fire. Finally, significant progress has been made in securing fire in the bottom of Big Creek above Star Hill Ranch. Crews continue to work in that area today.

Safety Request: Low-flying aircraft are appealing to watch. However, observer traffic on Highway 14-16-20 remains a key hazard to firefighters in the area. If possible, please watch from town or another location. If you do drive up the North Fork Highway, please park both yourself and your vehicle completely off the road. This is a life safety concern that affects you, your family, and all firefighters in the area. We appreciate your help in this safety aspect of managing the Gunbarrel Fire.