CASPER, Wyo. — The Sugarloaf Fire burning near Laramie Peak has grown to 699 acres, a Tuesday morning update from the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three shows.
The fire is 19% contained and has 454 personnel assigned to it. A variety of aircraft are supporting response to the fire, including single-engine air tankers, helicopters and heavy air tankers.
Fire activity increased on Monday amid warm and dry conditions, the update posted to InciWeb said. The fire is expected to see some growth on all active edges.
The fire area could see some scattered showers and thunderstorms; gusty winds; possible brief, heavy downpours; and dangerous lightning on Tuesday, the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team Three’s update said.
Fire crews will work to add more direct and indirect fire line on Tuesday, and aerial ignition efforts will continue if weather allows. Hotshot crews are expected to continue extinguishing pockets of heat with the assistance of aerial bucket drops, the update said.
“Structures in Garrett Springs and along Bear Creek Road are being assessed and structure protection [is] being put into place,” the update said.
The strategy on the fire is full suppression.
An evacuation notice is in effect for Bear Creek Road between the Garrett intersection and Friend Park. A pre-evacuation is in effect 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 managers said.
The fire was initially discovered on Monday, July 25 and is suspected to have been human-caused.
“Anyone with information on how the fire started can call the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line, 303-275-5266,” the update added.
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.
A temporary flight restriction is in effect over the fire area, and only aircraft with special permission are allowed.
“Please remember: If you fly, we can’t!” fire managers said.