Keystone Fire Update: Fire Caused by Lightning
About 562 firefighters continue their attempts to contain the Keystone Fire in Albany County, which fire investigators have determined was caused by lightning.
As of today, there is 10% containment of the fire, which now encompasses 2,223 acres. The Rocky Mountain Team Blue team briefly reported 15% containment at about 9 p.m. last night, but it has since returned to 10%.
Crews are focused on structure defense and extending and improving fire lines. Forest Service Spokesman Aarons Voos said crews were hoping to begin a burnout operation to reduce fuels between the road and the fire, but were still waiting on weather conditions as of this morning. A structure defense group is continuing assessments in the Foxborough and Fox Park.
Voos said crews are continuing to improve the bulldozer line north of Keystone and on the southern side of the fire. They will also focus on cooling hot spots along USFS 556.03 road and the USFS 586.B road.
Only one minor injury has been reported so far. Incident Commander Trainee Dave Carter has reminded crews to pay attention to self-care, saying fatigue can affect people in different ways.
The communities of Keystone, Rambler, Lake Creek and Moore’s Gulch are still evacuated, it is unknown when they will be able to return. Roby Roy campground, Cinnabar Park and Bobbie Thomson are closed as well. The Albany County Sheriff’s Department, along with fire managers, are still deliberating on whether to lift evacuation orders based on public safety. There have been no reports of structure damage so far.
Voos said the Incident Command team will have a table all day Friday and Saturday in downtown Laramie during Jubilee Days, where residents can get up-to-date information on the fire and ask any questions they may have.
The remainder of the Medicine Bow–Routt National Forests are open and ready for the public to visit.