Heavy Tankers Join Fire Fight

The Fontenelle Fire located 17 miles from Big Piney experienced active burning yesterday with a plume of smoke clearly visible throughout much of western Wyoming.  Fire Information Officer Jason Curry says firefighters estimate the blaze grew by about 2000 acres to the north and now encompasses 47,478 acres. Curry says the fire pushed toward the Middle Piney summer homes area, but crews were able to successfully defend those homes with no losses.  Curry says now that the fire is in the grasses and sage, firefighters are more able to work the lines.  Currently there are 584 people working the fire, aided by six helicopters and more recently, two single-engine fixed-wing tankers.  Today, he says two heavy air tankers will be joining the firefight. Curry says the fire continues to be plagued by strong winds and now people approaching the fire scene to get a better view.  He again reminds the public to observe the closures and stay out of the way of the firefighters for their own safety and the safety of the firefighters.