By Staff 7-20,2017
CODY, Wyo., July 20, 2017 – The June Fire continue s to spread and is currently estimated at approximately 2,000 acres. An infrared flight could not be performed over the fire last night; the estimated acreage is based on observations from air and ground resources currently assigned to the June Fire.
Additional hotshot crews and air resources are arriving today. Ground crews have begun structure protection work at the UXU Ranch and have begun assessing the Blackwater Lodge. Due to the increased complexity of the fire, an Incident Management Team will assume management of the fire later today.
Hot dry conditions are forecast to continue today with wind gusts increasing this afternoon. Smoke is expected to be visible in Cody and the surrounding area.
Firefighter and public safety remain the number one priority on the June Fire. The Elk Fork Trail is closed as a safety precaution. Visitors on the North Fork Highway are reminded to be vigilant of increasing numbers of firefighting personnel and equipment. Fire information bulletins will be located at key locations in the North Fork corridor.
The public is reminded that flying drones over a wildfire is dangerous to firefighters and illegal. An unauthorized drone flying over the June Fire yesterday shut down aircraft during critical operations.