Aug. 28: The Sheep Fire now 30 percent contained
“Crews continue to construct fireline, improve existing lines and mop up today, in addition to improving roads to contain the southern, western and northern sections of the Sheep Fire. Fire activity yesterday was mild as compared to previous days, despite isolated thunderstorms over the fire area. On the east flank, crews worked to strengthen the fireline established Wednesday. This line runs from Circle Drive around the northeast end of the fire. It extends to Diamond Mountain Motorway to the escarpment and to the top of Diamond Mountain. The steepest part of that line is challenging crews who must contend with falling snags and downhill rolling rocks as they mop up the fire. The west flank of the fire continues from Cheney Creek to Roxie Peconom Road, and then southwest toward the heel of the fire in the area of Indicator Peak. Crews will continue to strengthen and mop up firelines while continuing to provide structure protection, if needed,” read the morning update from Unified Command.
“Potential thunderstorm development in the area today could produce outflow winds and erratic fire behavior. Fire behavior will be moderate early Friday, then will increase in the afternoon, which will likely lead to lifting smoke and haze in the fire area,” continued the update.
About 24 dozers, 91 engines, 10 hand crews, 8 helicopters, 24 water tenders, 4 other heavy equipment, and 684 total personnel are fighting the blaze.
