Purdy Fire update: Sept. 2
23,000 acres, 60% contained
September 2, 2006
Firefighters attained 60% containment on the Purdy Fire on Friday. A morning low temperature of 18 degrees helped cool the fire as line improvement and mop up continued.
Incident Meteorologist Rob Krohn is cautious; "Frost is not the firefighter's friend. In fact, sub-freezing temperatures can prematurely dry fuels and push plants into dormancy. Under warm afternoon temperatures these freeze dried fuels will burn more active".
The fire is burning west of Union Pass, approximately 15 miles northwest of Green River Lakes. It is burning on Bridger-Teton and Shoshone National Forest land. Firefighters did observe more active fire behavior in meadow grass on Friday and expect more of the same on Saturday. Firefighters will continue to strengthen control lines and mop up.
A portion of the closure area for the Purdy fire was lifted on Thursday, opening the Union Pass Road #600. Buffalo and Park Creek roads # 627 also was reopened. Leeds, Raspberry, Strawberry, Bull Moose and all attached roads remain closed. The Union Pass Road (FDR 263) is now open. Access to Lake of the Woods is open. Sheridan Basin (FDR 538)is open from Highway 26. The Warm Springs Loop Road (FDR 532) remains closed from its junction with Union Pass road to Sheridan Basin (FDR 538). There are no mandatory evacuation orders in place at this time. Purdy Fire Closure Map (9/1/06)
Fire danger remains VERY HIGH on the Bridger-Teton National Forest. Campfire restrictions remain in effect, with no open fires allowed except in designated areas.
Forest visitors are asked to drive slowly along the Union Pass road. There is still a considerable amount of fire traffic on the road
Some fire fighting resources have been released to assist in other fires burning through out the west. Resources will be maintained on the Purdy Fire at the level required to achieve slow but steady gains in containment.
Purdy Fire Information Inquiries: (307)-455-2466
More information is available on the web at: www.inciweb.org/incident/402/
|
