Fire Watch

Index Creek Fire burns southeast of Cooke City

Posted: Jun 29, 2012 9:54 PM by INCIDENT COMMAND CENTER

The latest tonight on the Index Fire burning near Cooke City:

Fire Size: 210 acres

Started: Tuesday, June 26 at 5:40 p.m.

Cause: Downed power line

Location: Index Creek, West of U.S. Highway 212; 4 miles SE of Cooke City, MT

Fire Activity Today: Gustier winds today increased fie behavior. Significant spotting.

Containment: 15 percent contained

Smoke: May be present on U.S. Highway 212. Please drive cautiously and do not stop in the vicinity of the fire or smoke.

Resources: Five engines, one hotshot crew, one type 2 initial attack crew, one medium helicopter, one light helicopter, and fire managers

Jurisdiction: U. S. Forest Service, Shoshone National Forest

Vegetation: Green and dead timber

Closures or Restrictions: Fox Creek Campground is closed to the public

Special Concerns: Keeping U.S. Highway 212 open

Structures Threatened: None

Fire Danger: Very high

Weather Forecast: Hot, dry, 80 degrees, winds from the South at 5-10 mph gusting to 20 mph, 10 percent relative humidity.

** Beginning Saturday, June 30, one-way traffic through the fire area will be escorted by pilot car. Expect delays.**