Overview of the Wyoming Forest Fires
According to Weather Spark, July is the hottest month of the year in Wyoming. This is probably why we have forest fires going on. To date, the state of Wyoming has a total of three forest fires, with 7,653 acres in size combined.
Sugarloaf Fire
The Sugarloaf Fire was first reported Monday afternoon, July 25. The human-caused fire started near the terminus of Forest Road 637 and the Cow Creek Trailhead and spread up to 839 acres. However, Inciweb reports that as of Monday, August 8, the level of containment has reached 60%, as significant moisture was received in the fire area over the weekend, and no smoke has been visible over the fire for several days. Sugarloaf Fire will be put into patrol status, and most resources will be reassigned. It is estimated that the fire will be completely contained by Wednesday, August 17.
Fish Fire
The Fish Fire was first reported on Sunday, July 31, at 11:30 a.m. The human-caused fire started on private land, 7 miles south of Sundance, Wyoming, and east of Wyoming Highway 585. The fire spread up to a total of 6,793 acres. Inciweb reports that as of Monday, August 8, the level of containment has reached 96%. Smoke may still be seen in the area, and fire officials ask the public to use caution while driving, despite having no road closures in the area. It is estimated that the fire will be completely contained by Wednesday, August 20.
For more information on smoke impacts, visit https://www.airnow.gov/wildfires/
Gem Lake Fire
The Gem Lake Fire started on the afternoon of July 14, when a single-engine airplane crashed, igniting the fire. Inciweb reports that the fire only spread up to a total of 21 acres and is now 100% contained. However, the fire is in patrol status, and local crews will frequently hike in and check for hot spots over the next few weeks as a precaution. To protect public and firefighter safety, an emergency closure order is in place through August 15, for the area around the fire and including Forest System Trail 040, North Rock Creek.
For more information on forest fires in Wyoming and across the US, visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/