As expected, Mullen Fire activity has increased today as southwest winds have strengthened, with gusts to 40 mph. Fingers of fire have crossed the 500 Road to the northeast. Fire is entering the Keystone Fire burn scar, and impacting the 512 Road. The southeast part of the fire is also moving to the northeast.

For the safety of firefighters, Carbon Power and Light is turning off electricity to the evacuated areas west of Albany, including the communities of Keystone, Lake Creek and the Rob Roy Reservoir area. Residents with questions can call Carbon Power and light at 307-326-5206 or 800-359-0249.

Fire activity is expected to remain high through Saturday, as winds continue to strengthen during the passage of a strong cold front.  

Both ground and aerial firefighters are working diligently to protect property in these challenging conditions. But if weather and fire conditions become unsafe, they will move to locations where they have a greater chance of success.

Operations Section Chief Chris Zoller explains today's situation in a video. To see the video, please go to: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=855438781673230&extid=QiWO4yC00qiHNk83

Virtual Community Meeting: Friday, Sept. 25 at 3 p.m.

Links to access the meeting will be announced when the meeting has been set up.

Summary 

Wednesday afternoon, gusty northwest winds expanded the southern flank of the fire, and fire managers expect more growth there today.

Yesterday’s wind caused spot fires on the southern flank of the fire. Air operations is supporting firefighters on the ground using scooper planes making water drops using water from Lake Hattie, Lake Owen and Rob Roy Reservoir.

On the fire’s east side, ground and aviation firefighters continue a coordinated effort to protect the Keystone communities, Lake Creek, the Rob Roy Reservoir area, and the City of Cheyenne water supply.

The Structure Protection Group continues to prepare evacuated communities for the possibility of wind-driven fire spread today through Saturday. They are removing brush around structures and installing sprinkler systems. Engines and hand crews patrol those areas through most of the night.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. If you have first-hand information on activity in the South Mullen Creek drainage, please call the Medicine Bow National Forest – Laramie Ranger District anonymous tip line at 307-745-2392.

Fire Conditions and Weather

Today, a Red Flag warning is in effect from noon until 8 pm. Firefighters expect continued fire spread, due to strong southwest winds gusting up to 35 mph, very low humidity, and warm temperatures. As winds increase, air operations may be affected.

Mandatory evacuations

• Lake Creek community
• Rambler community
• Rob Roy community
• Keystone communities: Keystone proper, lower Keystone, Langford/Ricker, Moore's Gulch, and 507C cabin grouping

Pre-evacuation notice

• Private land along Fox Creek Road
• The communities of Albany and Centennial, extending northwest along Highway 130
• All areas west of Highway 11 in the valley.

Closures and Restrictions

Temporary Flight Restriction

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect for the fire area (https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_0404.html) For the safety of all firefighters, all private aircraft – including drones – must avoid this area. If you fly, we can’t!

Forest Closure

A Forest area closure is in effect surrounding the Mullen Fire. For details, see the Forest Closure Order (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd807581.pdf) or the Forest Closure Area Map (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd807582.pdf).

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the fire area

Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd786902.pdf  

Albany County: https://www.co.albany.wy.us/247/Fire-Restrictions  

This afternoon - Wednesday, September 23 - the fire is becoming more active due to increased wind, warmer temperatures, and lower humidity. Fire growth is mainly in the Platte River Wilderness on the southeast side of the fire. This movement into the wilderness was expected, and helicopters and fixed wing aircraft are working in that area to slow the fire's progression. For a photo of the fire taken at 3:30 pm today, please go to the Photos section.

Aircraft continue to be critical to the Mullen Fire suppression effort. Yesterday, helicopters delivered more than 22,000 gallons of water that supported the work of firefighters on the ground by cooling the fire’s edge and slowing its rate of spread.  Fixed wing aircraft, including CL-415 scoopers and smaller scooping aircraft – fire bosses – were also used on the east side of the fire in the Rambler area. 

Fire managers have assigned personnel and other resources to focus on values at risk, such as evacuated communities of Rambler, Keystone communities, Lake Creek, the Rob Roy Reservoir area and the City of Cheyenne water supply. The Structure Protection Group is in each community, clearing brush and installing sprinkler systems to prepare structures for possible fire progression to those areas. Engines and hand crews are working on the western edge to secure the fire perimeter to prevent spread to the west onto private property. 

In other areas, fire managers are scouting the terrain for opportunities where firefighters can be successful in slowing fire progression.  

Fire Conditions and Weather
Dry dead and down fuels, low humidity, and gusty winds have contributed to active fire behavior, even throughout the night. Later this week, fire weather is expected to become critical, with strong west/southwest winds, very low humidity, and above-normal temperatures. 

Mandatory Evacuations

• Lake Creek community 
• Rambler community
• Rob Roy community
• Keystone communities: Keystone proper, lower Keystone, Langford/Ricker, Moore's Gulch, and 507C cabin grouping

Pre-Evacuation Notice

• Private land along Fox Creek Road
• The communities of Albany and Centennial, extending northwest along Highway 130 
• All areas west of Highway 11 in the valley.

Closures and Restrictions
Temporary Flight Restriction 
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect for the fire area (https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_7116.html) For the safety of all firefighters, all private aircraft – including drones – must avoid this area. If you fly, we can’t!

Forest Closure 
A Forest area closure is in effect surrounding the Mullen Fire. For details, see the Forest Closure Order (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd807581.pdf) or the Forest Closure Area Map (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd807582.pdf).

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the fire area

• Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd786902.pdf  
• Albany County: https://www.co.albany.wy.us/247/Fire-Restrictions    

Situation

Fire size: 13,504 acres (reduction due to more accurate mapping)

The fire has crossed the 500 Road on the north, and the 511 road on the northeast. On the south, the fire has crossed the 512 Road and is active in the Sheep Creek drainage.

Expected fire behavior: The fire is burning in extremely rugged terrain, with live blowdown and beetle-killed deadfall. Extreme fire behavior is possible. Strong, gusty winds could push the fire in multiple directions, but likely east and northeast.

Firefighting efforts

As of this morning, aerial firefighters have successfully defended the Rambler community, by applying retardant along roads where prior fire mitigation projects had reduced the available fuels. Ground and aerial operations continue working to slow fire growth toward private properties on the west, east, and north.

Firefighters are assessing structures in evacuated areas nearest the fire, and preparing to implement defenses to protect
those structures.

Active fire behavior is expected to continue, even after dark. Some firefighters are being assigned to a night shift to
continue operations.

Mandatory Evacuations:

• Lake Creek community
• Rambler community
• Rob Roy community
• Keystone communities: Keystone proper, lower Keystone, Langford/Ricker, Moore's Gulch,
• and 507C cabin grouping

Pre-Evacuation Notice has been issued for Centennial Valley, which includes:

• Private land along Fox Creek Road
• The communities of Albany and Centennial, extending northwest along Highway 130
  
• All areas west of Highway 11 in the valley.
  

Closures and Restrictions

Highway 130, north of the fire, is OPEN: For up-to-date road conditions, go to: https://map.wyoroad.info/wtimap/index.html

Temporary Flight Restriction: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect for the fire area (https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_7116.html) For the safety of all firefighters, all private aircraft, including drones, must avoid this area. If you fly, we can’t!
 
Forest Closure: A Forest area closure is in effect surrounding the Mullen Fire. For details, see the Forest Closure Order (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd807581.pdf) or the Forest Closure Area Map (https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd807582.pdf).

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are in effect for the fire area:

• Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and Thunder Basin National Grassland: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd786902.pdf
  
• Albany County: https://www.co.albany.wy.us/247/Fire-Restrictions  

Our Mullen Fire Virtual Community Meeting is coming up soon at 5:00 pm this evening, September 22. There are two ways you can participate:

If you have a Facebook account, watch the Mullen Fire Information page (https://www.facebook.com/MullenFire/) when the meeting video goes live at 5:00 pm. You can ask questions in the comments.

If you don’t have a Facebook account, you can watch the meeting and ask questions by going to this link on Zoom: https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1618061128 (Meeting ID: 161 806 1128). If you have not yet used Zoom, go to the meeting link 5-10 minutes early and follow the simple instructions to download install the Zoom client. When you join the meeting, you’ll first be admitted to a waiting room; someone will admit you as soon as possible. Your microphone will be disabled, but you can enter questions in the Chat.

We hope that these choices will make it convenient for you to participate in tonight’s meeting. 

Per Albany County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) – Sept. 21, 2020, Mullen Fire response

 

If you need Emergency assistance:

Call 911

Assistance with Evacuations:

Albany County Emergency Management Agency: (307)-721-1815

If you need assistance with housing:

Red Cross: (970)-440-7499

If you need assistance with boarding your animal or livestock:

Albany County Fairgrounds: (307)-742-3224

Property Questions related to structures on an effected property:

County Assessor’s Office (307)-721-2511

Hunting Questions

Wyoming Game & Fish: (307) 745-4046

Pre-Evacuation Information:

Readyforwildfire.org

Evacuation Checklist

Information will be available via:

Albany County Website

Albany County Sheriff’s Office Facebook Page

Albany County Public Health Facebook Page

For Immediate Release

 

Evacuation for Keystone:

 

    The Mullen Fire is rapidly approaching the Keystone area. Albany County Emergency Management Agency has requested the evacuation of the area to better allow for fire support to focus on mitigation. If you need assistance with evacuations, please dial 911 to request support. Please refer to Albany County website for general information related to non-emergency questions.

 

Pre-Evacuation of Centennial Valley:

 

    Due to strong winds and the movement of the Mullen Fire, Albany County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has requested the Centennial Valley to prepare for potential evacuations. This area includes private land along Fox Creek Road, the communities of Albany, Centennial, extending North West to the Snowy Range along highway 130, and all areas west of Highway 11 in the valley. Please be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is called for.

https://www.co.albany.wy.us/228/Emergency-Management-Agency-Homeland-Sec

(LARAMIE, Wyo.)  September 20, 2020 – The Mullen Fire began on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 in Savage Run Wilderness, Medicine Bow National Forest. The USDA Forest Service is actively investigating the cause of the fire. The origin area of the Mullen Fire has been identified and preliminary information indicates that the fire could be human caused. The fire remains under investigation.

Law enforcement officers from the Forest Service are requesting public assistance with the ongoing investigation. If you have first-hand information on activity occurring in the eastern area of Savage Run Wilderness, in the South Mullen Creek drainage, please call the Medicine Bow National Forest – Laramie Ranger District anonymous tip line at 307-745-2392.

When calling the tip line, select option 5 (“to report any other information”). Please provide information about the date, time, location, and any identifying facts about the activity. You are not required to leave your name or contact information, but it can be helpful in identifying responsible individuals.

Currently, and at the time of fire ignition, the forest is in Stage II fire restrictions, meaning no campfires.

Updated & enlarged *Forest Order, *Closure Area Map 
Evacuations include Rambler, Rob Roy area 
Keystone area is under pre-evacuation notice