Firefighters made excellent progress on the Neiber Fire increasing containment to 85% from 30% yesterday, July 17th, the Neiber Fire information team shared in a press release. Acreage decreased slightly through better mapping from 17,606 to 17,545 acres.
Due to increased containment and low fire activity on the Neiber Fire, extra resources, including some air resources, will be released to their home units as fire danger remains high area-wide.
Today, July18th, firefighters will focus on mopping up while holding and improving control lines. Resources will also start working to repair hand and dozer lines made during suppression efforts. Due to low relative humidity and high temperatures, fire danger is high.
Neiber Fire crews will respond to new fire starts within the fire area. Fire restrictions remain in effect for BLM-managed lands in Washakie, Hot Springs, Big Horn, Park, Fremont, and Natrona counties.
Firefighting resources include two Type 2 initial attack handcrews, fourteen fire engines with crews, one bulldozer, two watertenders, two fixed-wing aircraft, and two helicopters.
Due to the effective use of aviation and ground resources, no oil and gas structures have been lost.
The ongoing warming and drying trend will continue through the weekend. Highs will be in the mid and upper 90s with low humidity and without rainfall. Elevated to critical fire weather is expected for central and southern Wyoming today.
To ensure public and firefighter safety, individuals should exercise caution along Neiber Road south to the Murphy Dome Oil Field. In addition to suppression efforts, heavy fire traffic will be active in the area throughout the day.