Single Publication

Douglas, Wyo. – Crews were able to gain more containment on the La Bonte Fire yesterday. The fire is currently 3,484 acres, with 55% containment. 

The La Bonte Fire was first reported on Thursday, Sept. 12, burning in steep, rugged terrain approximately 6 miles west of Esterbrook, WY, and 20 miles south of Douglas, WY, on Bureau of Land Management and private lands. Cause of the fire is undetermined. 

Yesterday, fire behavior was tempered by cooler temperatures, however, high winds persisted throughout the day and were a challenge to operations. Dry conditions and gusty afternoon winds are expected Thursday and Friday, with gusts in the 20-30 mph range. Chances for precipitation increase into the weekend. 

Firefighting resources include 2 fire modules, 4 hand crews, 4 engines, 4 helicopters and 2 dozers assigned to the fire, with approximately 137 personnel. 

Suppression efforts continue on the La Bonte Fire. Crews continue work to hold the fire in its current footprint, mopping up and patrolling dozer lines and contained perimeter. The goal of mop up is to reduce the likelihood of the fire spreading into unburned areas. Dozer lines are paths created by bulldozers to help contain wildfires. Helicopters will be available to perform bucket work to moderate fire behavior, and, weather permitting, crews will focus on direct line construction in the rugged, rocky terrain on the west flank of the fire. Fire managers and crews use all available strategies and tools to suppress wildfires, and public and firefighter safety are the top priorities. 

Visit the La Bonte Fire InciWeb page for more information at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/wyhpd-la-bonte-fire.

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