Red Canyon Fire Near Thermopolis Explodes in Size; Two Smaller Fires Almost Wrangled

Northwest Wyoming is battling three major wildfires this week, with one of them ballooning into one of the state’s largest active blazes. On Monday, Gov. Mark Gordon declared a State of Emergency as crews scramble for resources.

The Red Canyon Fire, sparked by lightning on Aug. 13, has now scorched more than 122,000 acres across Hot Springs, Washakie, and Fremont counties. Containment sits at just 28%.

The blaze earned a federal Fire Management Assistance Grant, which will funnel money into firefighting costs like equipment, camps, and mobilization. More than 500 personnel are on the lines, working under brutal conditions—low humidity, gusty winds, and temperatures pushing higher by the day.

Crews managed to slow the fire along Pack Saddle Road to the northeast, but the southern edge remains a top concern. Officials are warning locals to expect thick smoke, some of which is coming from planned burns meant to hold the fire in check.

Evacuations remain in effect across multiple areas. The latest updates, maps, and notices are being shared on the Red Canyon Fire Information Facebook Page.

Near Ten Sleep, the Spring Creek Fire has burned about 3,500 acres but is showing signs of progress. It’s 30% contained as of Wednesday.

Firefighters are dealing with tough terrain in Jacob’s Creek Drainage, where steep slopes and dense juniper make suppression difficult. Most roads into the fire remain closed, though Rome Hill Road is now open. Updates are posted on the Washakie County Emergency Facebook Page.

The Sleeper Ranch Fire near Meeteetse, which started Aug. 14, has torched over 20,000 acres. The good news: crews have it 90% contained. The fire threatened ranches and sensitive sage grouse habitat, but progress has been steady. More details are available through the Wyoming State Forestry Division’s Facebook Page.

Smaller blazes around the state have already been knocked down, but the forecast isn’t offering much relief. Hot, dry weather and thunderstorms are expected over the next several days—conditions that could complicate firefighting efforts.

For now, Wyoming firefighters are facing an uphill battle: keeping the Red Canyon Fire from spreading further while wrapping up the two smaller but still-dangerous blazes nearby.

With input from Wyoming Public Media, Oil City News, and County 10.