Firefighters Maintain Carter Canyon Fire Perimeter While Keeping an Eye to Weather
RELEASE DATE: Aug 02, 2022
Crews are continuing to monitor shifting winds and fluid weather conditions as they work to contain the Carter Canyon Fire’s perimeter and patrol the interior for hot spots.
As of 5:00 pm MDT, the fire is estimated to be at 15,630 acres, with 50 percent containment.
The National Weather Service out of Cheyenne, Wyoming is forecasting slight chances of rain and thunderstorms across the fire’s footprint throughout the evening. Winds of 10-15 mph are predicted out of the Northwest.
“While we welcome the rain, we’re remaining vigilant over the possibility of higher winds and lightning,” said Public Information Officer Ben Bohall of the Nebraska Forest Service. “High winds are cause for concern. It can determine a fire’s rate of spread and change its behavior quickly.”
It has been confirmed that the Carter Canyon Fire began as the result of several lightning strikes on Saturday evening. Passing aircraft spotted the subsequent smoke and fire.
Several divisions have now begun mop-up operations. Firefighters “mop-up” along the fire perimeter to ensure the fire line is cooled down enough so that it cannot re-ignite, even during high winds. This is accomplished by checking ash piles for hot spots, felling burnt trees, and removing any potentially combustible materials. The Nebraska National Guard also increased aerial support to nine personnel and two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters.
Utility crews with the Roosevelt Public Power District continue to work to restore power to residences throughout the area and address damaged, infrastructure, downed lines, and impacted poles.
Individuals are still urged to refrain from entering the area so that crews and fire managers have room to continue making progress. Additionally, anyone who was to encounter a downed power line should not go anywhere near it, as it may still be live.
Landowners impacted by the fires should contact their local USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Farm Services Agency offices for information about