Single Publication

Sugarloaf Fire Update

August 3, 2022 – 10:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three

Bill Waln, Incident Commander

Information Center: (307) 314-2244

Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Crews continue to make progress after completing successful firing operation

Current Situation:  Tuesday’s firing operation on the west side of the sugarloaf fire was successful, utilizing lower intensity fire to eliminate fuels between the main fire and the indirect fire line at cow creek. Fire activity was moderate yesterday with primarily backing, creeping and smoldering fire. The cold front passed through bringing higher relative humidity, lower wind speeds, cooler temperatures and cloudy conditions. Today, fire activity is predicted to be low with creeping and smoldering of unburned pockets of fuel within the current fire perimeter. After yesterday’s successful completion of the firing operation, the fire now 839 acres and remains 19% contained. Isolated showers and thunderstorms are predicted with possible lightning and gusty winds over the fire area today.

On the west side of the fire in Division Zulu, the firing operation to bring fire down to the indirect fire lines at Cow Creek is complete. Today crews will be patrolling and strengthening the fire line by mopping up and putting out hot spots. Mopping up is extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines to eliminate the potential for fire spread.

On the east side of the fire in Division Alpha, the number of hot spots has been decreasing daily as the hotshot crews continue to engage with suppression actions moving south along the fires edge. These efforts continue today to reduce the potential for fire growth to the south. The indirect fire line on this side of the fire has been completed.  

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Moisture will continue to pass through the area bringing scattered showers and thunderstorms. Isolated thunderstorms with rain and breezy winds up to 20 mph are predicted. Another cold front will approach the area this weekend, with an increase in winds and showers expected. Light fuels and unburned pockets of heavier fuels within the fire perimeter may be consumed with minimal fire behavior, mainly creeping and smoldering activity.

Evacuations: An evacuation notice is in place for Bear Creek Road between the Garrett intersection and Friend Park. Pre-evacuation for Friend Park, and Fetterman to Garrett Ranch. If you are evacuating the Sugarloaf Fire area and need assistance with temporary housing, please contact Albany County Emergency Management at (307) 721-1815 or (307) 721-1896.

Fire Restrictions: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Laramie Peak unit of the Medicine Bow National Forest and the Thunder Basin National Grassland https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1045796.pdf

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A TFR is in place over the fire area. This restricts aircraft, including drones, from entering the area without permission. Please remember; If you fly, we can’t!

For More Information:                                                                                         

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8279/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/FSMBRTB

Fire Info Line: (307) 314-2244

Location:  7 miles SW of Laramie Peak, Albany County, WY.

Sugarloaf Fire Statistics:

Size:  839

Containment:  19%

Total Personnel: 433

Cause:  Human