Fire Updates For Friday and What we did on Thursday
Yesterday we were so very tired. We went on the ridge behind our subdivision to check things out. There is a lot of smoke to the East of us and some whisps of smoke to the West of us on the mountain face. The fire looks pretty well out behind us.
We headed west on past our house on the Hwy to check out the remnants of the Goose Egg Fire and to see where it had jumped the road. It was incredible to see the huge stretch of highway that the fire had just jumped over and started burning on the other side of the road. It burned about 5-10 acres before they got it out. There were homes in that canyon area with no way out as there only road out was engulfed in flame. Another house on the side of the highway you can see where the fireman had fought hard to save the house. The lines of the fire went right up to their Propane Gas Tank. and on around the house. Incredible things these fireman are pulling off to save these homes!!
Another friend of mine who lives two roads to the East of us had the fire encircle her house. She has a split rail fence that leans up against garage and the fire burned the split rail fence but not the garage. Amazing those fire fighters are willing to do to save these houses!
Dan and I drove on around to the backside of Cole Mountain to see the fire burning on the back side of Casper Mountain. There is quite a bit of fire back there and they were busy working it with helicopters and a big ol' slurry bomber. It is really interesting watching how the slurry bomber works. He has a much smaller spotter plane that flies through and around the fire area, then he calls in the route for the big bomber to fly into. Quite an operation.
Yesterday while our west end had quieted down they were fighting the fire furiously to save the homes on Garden Creek. One of our ice skating instructors lives in that area. She evacuated their belongings and them except for her husband. He was staying behind to wet the home down and try to save it. The fire was about 600 yards from their home when she left.
One of the most ironic stories of our fire has been the fact that Motel 6 who always advertises that they'll leave the light on has refused to accept Red Cross vouchers for the evacuees. They are turning away evacuees unless they want to pay up front. Apparently the Red Cross on the national level owes the National Motel 6 chain money. Bad for the evacuees.
Ozzie and I went to bed early last night we were just exhausted from no sleep on Wednesday night. Last night also brought us a break from the smoke, especially after 3AM. Wednesday night, by far, was the worst night for all of us. While we safe from immediate danger, the fire raging on Goose Egg and a change in the wind brought the smoke right down on our subdivision and just hung there. We were so miserable and even Ozzie started acting sick. So, it was long on night and smoke yet short on sleep.
Today, Friday morning is almost pleasant. While there is still a definate haze of smoke in the air our immediate area is clear to breath.
Here is an excerpt from the daily fire updates by the City of Casper: (Oh, the official name for this fire by the feds is the Jackson Canyon Fire -All of us call it the Casper Mountain Fire)
Jackson Canyon Fire Update
Friday, August 18, 2006
updated 8:30 AM
Friday Morning Update:
As of 7:30 AM, Friday, several evacuations have been recinded. The only areas that remain evacuated at this time are:
Casper Mountain Road
Garden Creek
Elkhorn Subdivision
Although significant progress has been made against the fire, all residents are advised to continue looking for updates from the media.
Goose Egg Road and the subdivisions that line the southern edge of Highway 220 have been re-opened to residents only. Residents may return to their homes, but all non-essential people are asked to remain out of the area for the time being.
Firefighters were able to hold the line despite the high winds that were generated by yesterday's storm. The humidity on the mountain is now very high, and this has been helping the firefighting efforts. Fire crews expect to make significant progress against the fire throughout the day.
The latest figures remain 11,765 acres and 50% containment. The fire remains active, especially on its eastern fronts. 435 firefighters were fighting the fire yesterday, and an estimated 600 firefighters should be on the scene today.
Updated List of Structures Burned:
Four cabins and two small outbuildings were lost in the area of Rigal Road, west of Micro Road. The owners of these structures have been contacted by the Casper Fire Chief.
Two small structures were lost in the Goose Egg subdivision.
A barn was lost in the area of Coates Road.

The United States Post Office will be attempting to deliver mail to all evacuated areas. In those areas where delivery is not possible, the mail will be taken to the Forest Drive post office. Residents can get their mail at that location with a picture ID. Please call 237-8556 for more information on postal service.
Many families have been placed in hotels, but there is now a shortage of available hotel rooms. If more evacuated families come forward for assistance, they will be lodged at the Casper College Administration Building. Please note that the Red Cross will only provide hotel vouchers for individuals who have properly checked in and identified themselves as evacuees.
Additional police patrols are being made in evacuated areas to protect against property damage. No significant criminal activity has been reported at this time.

General Fire Information:
Fire fighters were able to hold the fire to the fire lines yesterday, resulting in only a very minor expansion of the fire zone. The high humidity on the mountain is helping immensely with the fire fighting effort.
Additional personnel and equipment continues to arrive on site. 435 firefighters were on site as of yesterday, and that number is expected to rise to 600 by the end of today.
Governor Freudenthal formally proclaimed a state of emergency within the City of Casper and Natrona County on Tuesday, August 15th. This formal designation has facilitated assistance from various state and federal agencies, including FEMA. Situational control of the fire was taken over by a FEMA Incident Management Team late Monday, and a command center has been established at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Crews from many jurisdictions, including the City of Casper, are contributing their efforts.
The City of Casper is currently contributing firefighters on site, and public service employees are working to assist with the creation of fire breaks, along with other support as necessary. Citizens are advised to stay away from the affected areas. This fire is still very dangerous and fast moving.
Travelers are advised to stay out of the evacuation areas if at all possible. As an evacuation route and a route for all kinds of emergency personell, it is extemely important that this road remain as free as possible. Motorists who stop for sightseeing or to take photographs will be ticketed by the Highway Patrol.