Duncan Fire 50 percent contained
Firewood cutters stomp out abandoned campfire
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SHERIDAN – Firefighters are engaging a fire near Duncan Lake in the Bighorn National Forest.
The lightning-caused Duncan Fire, located about 3 ½ miles south of Dead Swede Campground, has burned less than one-half acre of timber. Firefighters were ferried by helicopter to the area that is not accessible to fire engines.
Helicopter bucket drops helped eight firefighters on the ground attain 50 percent containment of the fire last night. No structures are threatened and no road or trail closures are in place.
An abandoned campfire that had spread about 10 feet in diameter was discovered by firewood cutters along Forest Service Road 23 in the Sourdough Creek area yesterday afternoon. They took action to stop the fire from spreading and reported the fire to the Forest Service. The fire has been controlled.
Campfires outside developed recreation sites are prohibited by partial fire restrictions, which have been in place in the Bighorn National Forest since July 29.
The fine for an abandoned campfire and campfires in unapproved areas is up to $5,000 or six months in jail. Violators can be held liable for the costs of suppressing a wildfire if the campfire escapes.
Forest Service fire managers would like to thank everyone for doing their part to prevent human-caused wildfires.
