Aircraft will be used throughout Saturday to slow the Pedro Mountain Fire's progression and give firefighters more opportunities to protect homes and structures, officials said in an InciWeb news release.

Personnel and equipment will be shifted to "more challenging" sections of the fire, including Heaths Peak, the Chimney and Mountain Shadows.

A week since it lightning ignited the blaze, the Pedro Mountain Fire is 27% contained and is 15,063 acres in size as of Saturday morning. The fire is located east of Pathfinder Reservoir and is about 40 miles northeast of Rawlins.

The fire is expected to spread to the east and northeast over the next 48 hours. Winds from thunderstorms through the day could pose a headache for firefighters.

Currently, 369 personnel are working the fire, including five hotshot crews and one attack crew.

Thirty-four engines, 12 "aerial resources," four bulldozers, and six water tenders are on the fire.

Evacuation orders are still in effect for Pedro Mountain Estates, Pedro Mountain Ranch Road and Cardwell Ranch.

Natrona County Road 407/Carbon County Road 291 or Kortes Road is closed from the intersection of Natrona County Road 408 (Fremont Canyon Road) south to Leo/Sage Creek until further notice.

 

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