CHEYENNE, Wyo. — The worst has materialized with the Mullen Fire in Medicine Bow National Forest. Last night the fire was measured at 35,000 acres. The fire more than doubled in size over the last 24 hours to a reported 80,000 acres.
Today the fire has stemmed out west towards Albany, WY. The flame is also approaching private homes nearby along Fox Park Rd all the way down to HWY-230.
Extreme fire behavior and growth has prompted additional mandatory evacuations for:
- South Centennial Valley east of Hwy 11 along Sheep Mountain, from Fox Creek Road, north to Hecht creek.
- Sheep Mountain and Lake Hattie area and north of HWY-230.
- Wyoming HWY 10 corridor to Colorado border
- Wyoming HWY 230 Corridor: Woods Landing to Lake Hattie Reservoir
High westerly winds gusting some 50-70 mph whipped the fire into a frenzy Saturday as it grounded most all aerial support. There was nothing firefighters could do but assist with structure protection further away from the advancing flames.
Governor Mark Gordon has become concerned with the dangerous fire as it advances in the direction of the City of Laramie. “This is an extremely dangerous situation,” he commented.
Woods Landing and Jelm remain areas of critical concern, and evacuations are in place for everything from Albany south to Fox Park, including Woods Landing and Jelm. Officials cannot confirm whether any structures have been lost because of the intensity of last night’s activity.
More than 450 personnel are assigned to the fire.
An investigation has revealed the fire is believed to be human caused.
