Fire Watch

Sarpy Hills Complex Fire shows little activity in windy conditions

Posted: Aug 6, 2012 8:23 PM

Most wildfire activity on the Sarpy Hills complex today consisted of mopping up, rehabbing the fireline, and active patrolling as winds up to 40 miles per hour swept across the fire area late this afternoon. The firefighters patrolled for additional starts due to forecast thunderstorms and strong winds this afternoon. We did successfully control a small spot fire that got started on the northwestern side of the fire.

The 82,000 acre fire is 65% contained. The strong winds tested our firelines today, and we will be closely watching for tomorrow's winds, which are forecast to be less strong but from a different direction. "We actually feel the wind is a good thing," said Incident Commander Bob Fry. "It tests our firelines and makes sure the lines will hold before we hand this fire back to the local unit."

Also today Crow Agency initial attack forces found and immediately suppressed two small fires on the Crow Reservation. Although we weren't needed, forces from the Sarpy Hills Complex are ready to jump in and help if one of these fires gets away. There continues to be great support and cooperation among all the firefighters working to battle fires throughout the area.

The Red Flag warning for dry lightning, high winds, and high temperatures combined with low relative low humidity issued by the National Weather Service will remain in place for this evening until midnight. Local initial attack resources will remain on shift late into the night and resources from Sarpy Hills Complex will be ready to assist if needed.

The main objective remains: provide for firefighter and public safety.

Rehab is conducted where the grass fires are cold and out - the dozer berms that were created originally for firelines are pulled back onto the scraped areas and recovered with topsoil.