Firefighters increase containment of Burnt Peak Fire

The Burnt Peak Fire was 13 percent contained as of Monday morning thanks to fire breaks on the southeast corner of the blaze and along Keeler/Rattle Creek Road.

Firefighters will continue monitoring the contained section of the blaze and work west and north along the road, according to a release from fire management officials. As the Burnt Peak Fire enters its third week, the blaze has grown to 1,977 acres. One helicopter, eight engines, two crews, three dozers and 232 personnel are working the fire.

With multiple local fires flaring up and many large fires raging throughout the West, officials have had to compete for resources.

The Ruby Fire, located roughly 2.5 miles from Troy, was burning at around 50 acres as of the latest official statement from Forest Service officials on Friday. Firefighters had constructed a line around the five-acre Coyote Fire on Friday and were beginning mop up operations.

While monsoonal moisture could bring lower temperatures and higher relative humidity to the Burnt Peak Fire, officials worried the weather could also carry dry scattered thunderstorms.

Officials have not ordered any evacuations but some residents are on pre-evacuation notice. Residents can find information on how to prepare for evacuation on the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation website.

Firefighters saw limited fire activity on Sunday morning due to an inversion. After the inversion dissipated, the western edge of the Burnt Peak Fire flared up.

Over the weekend, the fire spread mainly across the slope with small runs uphill. Outflow winds from passing storms could lead to erratic fire behavior. Dry vegetation and extreme fire danger could help the Burnt Peak Fire and other local blazes continue to grow.

As the Burnt Peak Fire reached 1,716 acres on Friday, local U.S. Forest Service officials handed off oversight of the blaze to a type two incident management team. Great Basin Team No. 4, led by Incident Commander Tim Roide, set up camp along Highway 56, south of the intersection with U.S. Highway 2.

Forest Service officials have closed the North Fork Keeler Creek, Keeler/Rattle Creek and Lime Butte roads for the safety of firefighters and the public.