Single Publication

Sugarloaf Fire Update
August 1, 2022 – 10:00 a.m.
Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three
Bill Waln, Incident Commander
Information Center: (307) 314-2244Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Current Situation: On Sunday, fire activity remained low with primarily creeping and smoldering as lighter fuels begin to dry, smoke production was more visible over the fire due to a test of aerial firing operations on the west side of the fire. Today warm, dry and breezy weather conditions will make for moderate fire activity with backing and single tree torching activity depending on fuel conditions. Based on infrared flight last night the fire is 553 acres and is 19% contained. A module of engines on night shift was added overnight to monitor fire activity.

In Division Zulu, if weather allows, the aerial firing operation with PSD system (Plastic Sphere Dispenser) will continue slowly bringing low intensity fire towards the completed indirect fire line. Sphere introductions will cause an increase in smoke which may be visible from far away. Indirect lines are complete on the west side of the fire.

In Division Alpha, hotshot crews will continue using aerial resources to locate “hot spots”. If weather and terrain conditions allow, they will hike into those areas and take suppression action using a combination of hand tools and aerial water drops. These efforts are to reduce the fire spread to the east and the potential for firing operations on the east side of the fire. An indirect fire line has been completed, the search for alternate indirect lines closer to the active fire perimeter continues today.

Firing operations are conducted to introduce lower intensity fire under specific conditions. Low intensity fire is less damaging to the land and allows firefighters to strengthen containment along the perimeter by reducing the amount of vegetation available to burn. Weather conditions, such as humidity levels and winds, and the availability of qualified personnel to coordinate the firing are two factors that determine if these operations can be undertaken. If any of the required conditions cannot be met, firing operations will not occur.
Weather & Fuel Conditions: Warmer temperatures will combine with lower humidity values over the next 24 hours as afternoon showers are isolated thunderstorms become possible. Brief heavy rain, small hail, gusty outflow winds to 35-40 mph and dangerous cloud to ground lightning will remain a threat from any thunderstorms that pass over or near the fire. Warm, breezy, and dry conditions are predicted with possible gusty winds tonight. A cold front will arrive by late Tuesday bringing more moisture the area.

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-Routt National Forests 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/FSMBRTBFire Info Line: (307) 314-2244 Location: 7 miles SW of Laramie Peak, Albany County, WY.
Sugarloaf Fire Statistics:Size: 553Containment: 19%Total Personnel: 418Cause: Human