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Sugarloaf Fire

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Unit Information

2468 Jackson Street 
Laramie, 
82070 
2468 Jackson Street 
Laramie, 
82070 

Incident Contacts

  • Fire Information
    Phone:
    970-819-2898
    Hours:
    8 am - 5 pm

Sugarloaf Fire Update August 2, 2022

Sugarloaf Fire
Publication Type: News 08/03/2022

Sugarloaf Fire Update

August 2, 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.

Suppression activities continue as cold front approaches, bringing strong gusty winds

Current Situation:  Yesterday fire activity was moderate with primarily backing, creeping and smoldering fire. A smoke column was visible from aerial firing operations on the west side of the fire and smoke from other fires in the area combined with smoke from western states contributed to hazy conditions for much of Wyoming. Tuesday a cold front is predicted with increased winds, higher relative humidity, increased chance of rain, and slightly cooler temperatures. Fire activity for today is expected to be creeping and smoldering with wind driven surface fire and a potential for spotting. Based on infrared flight Monday night, the fire is 699 acres and is 19% contained. Yesterdays firing operation contributed to the increase in acreage.

A group of five engines is staffing the fire overnight monitoring fire activity due to the potential for increased winds.

On the west side of the fire in Division Zulu, if weather conditions allow, aerial firing operation with a 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 at Cow Creek.

On the east side of the fire in Division Alpha, the number of “hot spots” are decreasing as the hotshot crews engage with suppression actions. If windy conditions and terrain allow, they will hike into those areas and take action using a combination of hand tools and aerial water drops. These efforts continue 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.

Firing operations 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: Cooler temperatures will combine with higher humidity values over the next 24 hours as a cold front comes through the area. Isolated thunderstorms with rain and gusty winds up to 35 mph are predicted. After the cold front passes, cooler temperatures and less winds are expected Wednesday.

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:  699

Containment:  19%

Total Personnel: 454

Cause:  Human