A controlled burn attempt near the Heart Mountain Relocation Center got caught in the wind Sunday, taking firefighters from Powell and Cody several hours and two separate trips to douse the quick-moving blaze.

The fire on Road 19 1/2 near Lane 16 grew out of control at about 2:30 p.m., quickly spreading to nearby properties, said Powell Fire Chief Dustin Dicks.

“We got called to one address, but by the time we got there it was already three addresses past where it started,” Dicks said. “That wind just took it and away she went.”

Five trucks from Powell responded to the call and three trucks arrived from Cody after a call for mutual aid. The crews fought the fire until about 6 p.m., but then were called back at about 8 p.m., when the fire reignited. Crews were on scene until after 10 p.m., but luckily none of the nearby structures were damaged. About 30 acres burned.

Dry conditions and high wind made for a busy weekend for the department with several calls for ditch and field fires. Dicks isn’t looking forward to the coming weekend with a forecast of hot, dry conditions on Easter weekend.

“It’s supposed to be really warm. I sure hope people decide to take a vacation this weekend and not burn,” he said.

High wind warnings were set to expire Monday evening, but are expected to start blowing again today (Tuesday) and Thursday with temperatures expected to be nearing 70-degrees most of the weekend.

“With it as dry as it is, [a fire] could pick up quickly and get into your house before you know what’s going on,” Dicks said.

He asks those burning fields and ditches to be sure to call the Park County Sheriff’s Office prior to doing controlled burns, to wait for calm days and to limit burning to mornings, before winds pick up.