SUBLETTE COUNTY, WYO – Buckrail has learned that more than 20 homes in Hoback Ranches were destroyed by the Roosevelt Fire. Assessment of homes and property efforts are continuing to give residents answers to the status of their homes.

Evacuations of over 500 people were triggered by the fire in the last 10 days including the subdivisions of Upper Hoback, Thunder, Hoback Ranches, Bridger Estates, Rim Ranches, Rim Station area, Sargent Lane, Flying A Ranch, and the town of Bondurant. Due to potential fire growth many surrounding areas near the fire remain on “SET” mode.

The most recent infrared flight shows the fire has burned about 49,805 acres with 25% containment.

Residents from the evacuated area will not be allowed to return to their homes for items or to check their homes until the evacuation has been lifted. Plans are developed to facilitate reentry when the Incident Management deems it safe to return. Back burning operations were put in place today to protect structures near the rim and prevent the fire from going across Highway 191 and threatening additional areas.

Operations were again today put in place to do assessment of the area and the homes within Hoback Ranches subdivision. Personnel were in the area up through most of today. However certain areas of the fire are still actively burning and unsafe to enter. Assessments of that area will be done when it is safe for personnel to enter the area. Homeowners can expect to be notified of the status of their homes one way or the other directly from the Sheriff’s Office as soon as we have that information.

An evacuation center for people affected by the fires managed by the American Red Cross still remains on standby and located at the LDS Church in Pinedale. Due to highway closures from fire operations and activity a shelter is in place in Jackson Hole located at the Montessori School of the Tetons, also managed by the American Red Cross. The Pinedale Lions Club is now assisting in coordination with the Red Cross to provide assistance for evacuees from the fire, if assistance is needed please email [email protected] to contact them for this incident. The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office wants to emphasize to the public that there is a current fire ban within Sublette County and many surrounding counties.