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As fires burn across the state, Gov. Mark Gordon has issued an executive order declaring an emergency, allowing the state to access additional federal firefighting resources.
Six fires are …
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As fires burn across the state, Gov. Mark Gordon has issued an executive order declaring an emergency, allowing the state to access additional federal firefighting resources.
Six fires are currently burning in Wyoming according to InciWeb. The five-day-old Red Canyon Fire, which started 11 miles east of Thermopolis, has burned over 95,000 acres and caused multiple evacuation orders in Hot Springs, Washakie and Fremont counties. The fire was caused by lightning strike, according to a release from the governor’s office.
Containment of the fire is listed at 28% with 425 personnel deployed, the Monday morning update from InciWeb detailed.
“Evacuations are in place for Buffalo Creek Road between Jones Creek Road and Reck Road, extending to the Fremont County line,” Inciweb reads. “This includes Kirby Creek, Lake Creek, Bridger Creek, and the Pack Saddle area. Kirby Creek Road between Red Hole Road and Buffalo Creek Road was previously evacuated.”
Additionally, the Sleeper Ranch Fire by Meeteetse has burned over 20,000 acres, according to the release from the governor’s office.
Aircraft are working the fire near Meeteetse, according to InciWeb. The fire’s cause is undetermined with 0% of the perimeter contained as of 5:03 p.m. Friday.
The Spring Creek Fire by Ten Sleep has burned upwards of 3,500 acres with 15% containment as reported by the Wyoming State Forestry Division on its Facebook page.
The governor’s release lists all three fires as a threat to safety and property.
Gordon’s declaration will allow the state access to federal firefighting resources, “and directs the Office of Homeland Security to take action to coordinate state and federal resources in response to the fires,” a release reads.
FEMA approved a request from Wyoming for the federal Fire Management Assistance Grant to help costs related to fighting the Red Canyon Fire, as a result FEMA funding is available to cover 75% of eligible firefighting costs.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect throughout the Shoshone National Forest as of 8 a.m. on Friday. This means a fire can start easily, and spread quick with an intense burn. The public is asked to follow fire restrictions currently in place, for more information visit Page 5.
