Crews Battling Wildfires Near Ten Sleep and Casper; Public Urged to Stay Clear

Fire crews across Wyoming are working hard to get a handle on several wildfires that flared up over the weekend, with some still burning out of control.

The biggest concern right now is the Vees Fire, southeast of Ten Sleep, which has grown to around 4,000 acres and remains 0% contained, according to the Watch Duty app. Nearby, the Tower 2 Fire is burning closer to town — it’s sitting at about 220 acres and is half contained.

Worland Fire crews jumped in to help on Saturday night, assisting with the Tower Fire near Rome Hill Road and working late into the night to slow the spread. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported so far.

Washakie County Sheriff Austin Brookwell is urging folks to stay clear of the fire zones so emergency crews can do their job safely.

Meanwhile, down near Casper, fire crews are also battling the Muddy Fire on the east side of Muddy Mountain. It’s smaller — roughly 70 acres — but still 0% contained. Officials say it was sparked by lightning during recent storms and is visible from Hat Six Road.

The Natrona County Fire District asked the public not to flood 911 with calls and to steer clear of Muddy Mountain Road, nearby campgrounds, and the environmental education area unless absolutely necessary. Crews are staying on the scene overnight, with extra help and air support either already there or on the way.

Further west in Grand Teton National Park, the Signal Flat Fire — also started by lightning — is now fully contained at about eight acres. Local crews got help from a Forest Service team out of Helena, Montana to knock it down. Still, Signal Mountain Road is closed to the public so fire vehicles can move freely.

With hot, dry weather expected to stick around, fire officials are reminding everyone to be extra careful. That means properly putting out campfires — douse, stir, and repeat until cool to the touch.

Stay safe, and steer clear of firefighting zones — crews have enough heat to handle as it is.

The original story by Nicky Ouellet for Wyoming Public Media.