Russell’s Camp Fire Now 45% Contained (UPDATE)

Tuesday’s suppression activities on the Russell’s Camp Fire went well despite strong, gusting winds. Fire crews did experience wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour (mph), however containment lines held.

Heat still remains on the south end of the fire. Russell’s Spike Camp was closed yesterday since fire operations in that area are in the mop-up stages and the camp is no longer necessary. A spike camp, or line camp, is still in place near Elk Lake. Fire crews continued to reinforce containment lines. Unburned pockets of fuel still exist within the fire perimeter, and winds resulted in increased fire activity in these areas.

At this morning’s briefing crews were reminded of the anniversary of the creation of Paul Gleason’s L.C.E.S. (Lookouts, Communications, Escape Routes, and Safety Zones) education to firefighters. Crews were reminded to remain alert and focused as hazards still exist. Firefighters still face challenges of snag trees, steep and rocky terrain, as well as dehydration concerns.

Today’s weather will continue to challenge containment lines. A Red Flag Warning is in place again today. Upslope winds are expected but will be affected by terrain and slope. Fire crews can expect winds of 20-30 mph with possible gusts of 45 mph.

Incident Overview

Size: Estimated at 5,465 acres.

Containment: 45%

Location: Southwest corner of Converse County, just north of Albany County, 32 miles south of Glenrock, Wyoming. North and west of Cold Springs Road (Converse County Road 24), and Little Medicine Road in Albany County. Northwest of Campbell Creek Campground and Twin Peaks Trailhead. The fire has burned north over Buffalo Peak, south of Squaw Mountain and west to East Box Elder Creek.

Terrain: Very rugged.

Land ownership: Burning on the Medicine Bow National Forest, state and private lands.

Resources: 16 hand crews, 28 engines, four Type I, one Type II and two Type III helicopters, two bulldozers and four watertenders are working in direct attack, line construction or structure protection.

Structures threatened: Homes and cabins along Cold Springs Road.

Cause: Under investigation: A fire investigator is on scene, but fire activity has made it unsafe or impossible to complete the investigation.

Reported: June 17, 2012.

Fuels: Primarily mixed conifer.

EVACUATIONS: Residents of houses/cabins along County Road 24, Cold Springs Road, between the Albany/Converse County line to the south and the intersection with Fetterman Road to the north were requested to voluntarily evacuate. This includes the Meadow Creek area. An evacuation center was available at the Recreation Center in Douglas, Wyoming. Sheriff's Deputies went door-to-door and called residents in the evacuation area. Call the Converse County Sheriff's Department in Glenrock (307-436-2778) or Douglas (307-358-4700) with questions.

Closures:

- Cold Springs Rd (Little Medicine Road), from the junction with Fetterman Road south to the Converse-Albany County line.

- Russell's Camp Rd, NSFR 607

- La Prele Guard Station

- Campbell Creek Campground

- Twin Peaks Trail, #618

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team B, a Type II team, Incident Commander Todd Pechota, took management responsibility for the fire Tuesday morning, working closely with local government and agency offices. County, state and federal firefighting resources from several states and agencies are cooperating.

Information updates: Can be found on Twitter at @MBRNFsTBNG, @RMIMT2 TeamB, @WyoStForestry, hashtag #RussellsCampFire.