GILLETTE, Wyo. — Firefighters are continuing suppression efforts Monday for multiple Wyoming wildfires, allocating resources to a new fire in northern Campbell County estimated at 1,700 acres, according to the Southwest Area Incident Management Team.
The new fire was identified on Sept. 1 around 10 a.m. near Bitter Creek Road. It has been named the Silver Spoon Fire and has prompted agencies to issue evacuation orders for all residents within 10 miles of an area of Bitter Creek Road near Anderson Draw, according to the Campbell County Fire Department.
Ground and air resources engaged in the initial attack shortly after the fire was identified, with local resources and two hotshot crews pulled from the Constitution Fire. Fire resources will continue in extended attack and SWIMT 5 will assume command at 6 p.m. Sept. 2, according to a daily wildfire update.
While fire resources changed gears in response to the new start on Sept. 2, containment and mop-up efforts continued at four other large-scale Wyoming wildfires. Heavy equipment is in play while fire personnel work to repair firelines and complete other repairs, per SWIMT 5.
The Remington Fire in northern Wyoming is currently estimated at over 196,000 acres, with activity limited to smoldering and creeping on the northern edge of the fire on Sept. 1. The fire is reported to be 81% contained.
As of Sept. 2, the 175,000-acre House Draw Fire east of Buffalo is 94% contained with minimal heat sources remaining. Bulldozers and graders are focusing on the south side of Interstate 90 and looking to move north to complete additional repairs as identified, the update states.
The Flat Rock Fire northwest of Gillette is estimated at 52,421 acres and is 78% contained as of Sept. 2. Suppression crews continue to make progress, working north to south. Efforts today will focus on repairing the fire line while crews scout additional repair needs, per SWIMT 5.
Currently estimated at 24,594 acres, the Constitution Fire north of Gillette is 95% contained. Firefighters mopped up remaining heat sources within pine stringers on Sept. 1, with crews looking to patrol and secure the line today while scouting for heat sources on the eastern edge, SWIMT 5 says.
Hotter and drier conditions will continue on Sept. 2, supporting fire activity across the region, the update states, adding that smoke from the Silver Spoon Fire and interior pockets of fuels may be visible.
