Decker Fire reaches 75 percent containment

Decker Fire map effective Oct. 23.

The most recent update from the Decker Fire Information Office showed the fire had not exhibited much movement over the last 24 hours. The fire has burned 8,910 acres and is at 75 percent containment.

Weather is helping to curb fire behavior with increased humidity and cooler temperatures in the forecast with snow approaching Wednesday, October 23.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team continues conducting assessments in the area of the fire. A BAER assessment addresses post-wildfire threats to “life and safety, property and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System lands.” It also takes immediate action to implement emergency stabilization measures before the first significant storm.

As of 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office lifted the pre-evacuation order for zones 2 & 3 of Howard and the communities of Wellsville, Swissvale and Box Canyon. However, the pre-evacuation order for Bear Creek and Zone 1 in Howard will remain in place.

Due to decreased fire activity, the smoke outlook update will be no longer be necessary given that analysts expect air quality to remain good however, some smoke may be visible from smoldering fuels.

With the diminished threat of the Decker Fire spreading, crews will no longer operate after dark. Structure protection equipment is being removed in many areas where it has been determined that the threat has diminished to the point that it can be removed.

Crews will continue to work on suppression areas and will continue to improve containment lines.