Taylor Draw and Horse Creek Fires Mark Start of Wyoming’s Wildfire Season
Wyoming’s wildfire season is officially underway, with two significant fires currently burning in different parts of the state, K2 Radio reports.
Firefighting efforts continue as crews work to contain the Taylor Draw and Horse Creek fires, both of which have prompted multi-agency responses.
The Taylor Draw Fire, which ignited over the weekend in Carbon County, has burned approximately 1,257 acres and is currently 25% contained, according to the latest updates. Firefighters from multiple agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and county fire crews, are actively engaged in suppression efforts.
“Fire crews from all over the county as well as the Bureau of Land Management are actively engaging this fire,” the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office shared in a social media statement on June 29.
As of a few hours ago, the Yoder Volunteer Fire Department confirmed that two brush units and six firefighters remain assigned to the fire.
Meanwhile, in western Wyoming, the Horse Creek Fire — burning in the Bridger-Teton National Forest — has reached 2,795 acres and is 59% contained. The fire, which started on June 13, was determined to have been caused by a lightning strike. It is burning in heavy timber and slash near the confluence of South Horse Creek and Cow Creek, roughly 10 miles west of Merna.
While fire suppression efforts are ongoing on the ground, aerial firefighting support is also a key part of Wyoming’s wildfire response strategy this year. The Wyoming Air National Guard, in coordination with the California Air National Guard, recently completed Modular Airborne FireFighting System (MAFFS) training in Arizona. The training prepared aircrews to execute low-altitude water drops and operate under challenging conditions during wildfire emergencies.
“When fire season begins, seeing our aircraft on the flight line means we’re ready to assist wherever needed,” said Lt. Col. Christopher Valine of the Cowboy Guard, referring to the 153rd Airlift Wing’s readiness to deploy C-130 Hercules aircraft equipped for wildfire suppression.
