Weather conditions remained ideal for fire growth Thursday as ground crews and firefighting aircraft continue to work the Pedro Mountain Fire in Carbon County.

The fire has grown to 12,028 acres as of Thursday morning with 10% of that contained, according to a BLM news release.

The fire is burning in short grass, brush and timber, according to InciWeb. It was caused by lightning at 1 p.m. Saturday.

From Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, fire crews reported the north boundary of the fire showed little growth and was less active compared to the southern end near The Chimneys and Mountain Shadows.

Heading into Thursday, firefighters are preparing for increased fire behavior due to weather and terrain.

On Thursday, crews will build more bulldozer lines, carry out burnout operations and continue to set up sprinkler systems near homes and other values.

A red flag warning remains in effect Thursday. Highs are expected to be in the mid-80s with humidity below 20%. There is a chance of isolated thunderstorms and rain heading into the evening.

There are 324 personnel working the fire including four hotshot crews, one type 2 initial attack crew, 34 engines, five water tenders, four bulldozers and eight aircraft.

 

Pedro Mountain Estates, Pedro Mountain Ranch Road and Cardwell Ranch are under evacuation. Red Cross assistance is available to that who need it.

Natrona County Road 407/Carbon County Road 291 (Kortes Road) is closed from the intersection of Natrona County Road 408 south to Leo/Sage creek until further notice. That closure includes all roads west to Pathfinder Reservoir.

Public access remains open to Leo/Sage Creek including Miracle Mile and Kortes Dam Camp through southern routes.

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