WYOMING — As concerns grow over the number of wildfires spreading across Wyoming, Governor Mark Gordon shared what firefighters on the ground and from the air are doing to help mitigate further spread.
“I have marshaled all available resources to fight fires this summer, including the five significant wildfires burning today within Wyoming, focusing on preservation of life, property and containment,” Gordon said via Facebook on Friday, Aug. 23. “Fire crews are utilizing extensive ground and aerial resources to attack each of these fires to slow growth and protect threatened structures.”
Governor Gordon addressed public questions with updated information, including total acreage burned, the status of activated resources and recovery plans, as of Friday, Aug. 23.
According to the Governor’s Office, last year’s moisture resulted in an abundance of available fuel for fires. This fuel on the ground combined with Wyoming’s winds make for large, fast-moving fires that are particularly challenging to firefighting efforts.
The Governor said via Facebook that there are five large wildfires in Wyoming, with many smaller fires still not 100% contained. This amounts to about 270,000 acres burning. The Fish Creek Fire in the Bridger-Teton National Forest has approximately burned 10,000 acres. In 2024 to date, Wyoming has had 522 wildfires that have burned approximately 327,700 acres. Unique to this fire season is the fact that the majority of the wildfires have burned on private rather than federal lands.
Wyoming is utilizing many resources to fight the fires, including the Wyoming State Forestry helicopter and helitack firefighters, two single engine air tankers, Wyoming Smokebusters and numerous state staff who are providing operational and administrative support. The U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are providing aviation resources, including very large air tankers, large air tankers, single engine air tankers and scooper planes, according to the Governor’s Office.
“The National Guard is standing ready to assist in supporting county, state and federal wildfires with evacuation support, road closures and other health and safety matters related to the fires,” Gordon said.
According to the Governor, Wyoming will focus on recovery efforts and bring in all available resources once the fires are contained. The United States Department of Agriculture is offering disaster assistance to help private landowners and producers cover loss and recovery.
“Confronting fires of this size and battling against Mother Nature’s forces takes significant dedication from those on the frontlines,” Governor Gordon said. “I want to thank all who are fighting these fires – both volunteer and full-time firefighters. They are protecting our livelihoods, homes and landscapes. Jennie and I send our prayers to everyone impacted.”
If in the vicinity of an active wildfire, the public should monitor the fire’s status through local communication channels. Follow all emergency guidance. Stay clear of the fire to allow firefighters to safely access and suppress the fires.
