Wyoming Prepares for Challenging Wildfire Season

After experiencing one of the worst wildfire seasons on record, Wyoming is bracing for another potentially severe year, Gillette News Record reports.

More than 850,000 acres burned across the state last year, impacting private, state, and federally managed lands, according to Gov. Mark Gordon. The fires drained multiple funding sources, including firefighting reserves, emergency contingency funds, and the state’s rainy day account.

In response to last year’s devastation, Gov. Gordon proposed $140 million in his supplemental budget to support wildfire recovery efforts and improve prevention strategies. However, when the Wyoming State Legislature declined to pass the supplemental budget, concerns arose about the state’s ability to handle the 2025 fire season.

Adding to the challenge, a dry winter in many areas has increased fire risks, and invasive species like cheatgrass could worsen conditions by filling in burned areas with highly flammable vegetation. Additionally, federal layoffs and funding cuts may result in fewer federal wildland firefighters, which Wyoming heavily relies on during large-scale fires.

Despite the budget shortfall, Senate File 152, sponsored by Sen. Eric Barlow (R-Gillette), was passed and signed by the governor. The bill:

• Appoints a state forester and defines the duties of that office.

• Allocates $22 million to replenish depleted firefighting funds.

• Allows the governor to borrow up to $30 million from the state’s legislative stabilization reserve account if additional firefighting funds are needed.

• Provides $2.75 million for staffing, including one full-time and four part-time firefighting positions.

• Appropriates nearly $50 million to the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust, funding grants to restore vegetation, prevent invasive species growth, and rehabilitate habitats damaged by wildfires.

Although the bill provides approximately $74 million in funding, it falls significantly short of the $140 million originally requested by Gov. Gordon. The governor also line-item vetoed a portion of the bill that would have redirected additional funds, stating that it would have taken resources away from Wyoming’s energy sector.

With fire season approaching and funding uncertainty, Gov. Gordon suggested that a special legislative session may be necessary if the state’s resources become overwhelmed.

“If we get into a bad year, I guess a special session may be in order,” he remarked.