Fires Keep Sparking Across Central Wyoming — Here’s What’s Burning Now

Fire season is in full swing in Wyoming, and it’s not letting up. With hazy skies becoming the norm and wildfires lighting up maps all over the state, it’s a good time to get a handle on what’s burning where — especially close to home.

We’ve pulled together updates from fire-monitoring tools like InciWeb, the Wyoming State Forestry Division, and other local sources to give you the lowdown on the major fires currently active in central Wyoming.

This one was sparked by lightning and is burning about five miles east-southeast of Casper Mountain. As of the morning of July 29, it’s scorched roughly 67 acres and is just 25% contained.

The Muddy Fire is burning entirely on state land, and crews have thrown quite a bit at it. Here’s what’s currently battling the flames:

• 3 Type 6 Engines
• A Type 2 Initial Attack Crew
• Wyoming Smokebusters
• A Type 3 helicopter + crew
• 2 Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs)
• 2 Large Airtankers
• Air Attack support
• Overhead fire staff from the state

Another lightning-sparked fire, this one started July 26 on BLM land south of Ten Sleep. It’s grown rapidly to an estimated 4,500 acres. So far, it’s 0% contained.

Firefighters are dealing with steep, rugged terrain and canyon areas that are tough to get into. Plus, it’s burning through dry grasses and a lot of dead timber — a recipe for fast-moving flames.

Here’s what’s being used to fight it:

• 2 bulldozers
• 3 helicopters
• Several engines and fire crews

Despite the intensity, officials say there hasn’t been much growth in the last 24 hours — but conditions remain tricky.

The Phillips Fire is a small one for now — only about an acre — but it’s in a risky spot deep in the Bridger-Teton National Forest. First reported the morning of July 29, it’s in a heavily wooded area that could fuel fast growth if conditions change.

Because it’s close to Teton Pass, fire crews are warning of potential delays from heavy firefighting equipment traffic. If you’re commuting in that area, plan ahead.

Fire season isn’t slowing down any time soon, and these are just a few of the fires currently active in Wyoming. Keep an eye on updates from state and federal agencies, and check local alerts if you’re near fire-prone areas.

Be safe out there — and keep your go-bag handy.

The original story by Garrett Grochowski for County 17.