CASPER, Wyo. — Fire Capt. Darek Pepple of the Natrona County Fire District is gearing up for another round of duty in Oregon, assisting the Pacific Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 2.
The team is currently battling four significant fires — the Lookout, Horse Creek, Pothole and Bedrock fires — according to an announcement by the Natrona County Fire District.
After a brief return to Casper to rest and repack, Pepple is heading back to the flames. This rapid turnaround and extended time away from loved ones is commonplace for wildland firefighters.
Their dedication and the support from their communities and families back home enable them to confront these fires continuously.
A breakdown of the ongoing fires in Oregon:
- Lookout Fire:
- Personnel: 699
- Size: 24,596 acres
- Start Date: Aug. 5
- Cause: Lightning
- Containment: 50%
- Horse Creek Fire:
- Personnel: 66
- Size: 763 acres
- Start Date: Aug. 24
- Cause: Lightning
- Containment: 90%
- Pothole Fire:
- Personnel: 26
- Size: 109 acres
- Start Date: Aug. 25
- Cause: Lightning
- Containment: 90%
- Bedrock Fire:
- Personnel: 165
- Size: 31,590 acres
- Start Date: July 22
- Cause: Currently under investigation
- Containment: 90%
The Natrona County Fire District expressed its pride in Pepple and others like him who work tirelessly on the front lines. The NCFD is encouraging the community to send well wishes to Pepple for his upcoming assignment.
For continuous updates on the Oregon fires, visit inciweb.nwcg.gov.
