JACKSON, Wyo. — The Mullen Fire is now the wildland fire of concern in Wyoming. At 13,835 acres, it is rapidly approaching the Keystone Area, prompting evacuations with Centennial Valley under pre-evac order.
The fire that began Thursday, September 17, is burning in the Medicine Bow National Forest through live, dead and down lodgepole pine. Much of the area is rife with available fuels due to years-old beetle kill.
A total of 100 are fighting the fire under the direction of Type 3 Forest Service team leader Jerod Delay. A Type 2 team has been ordered and will arrive Tuesday, September 22. The blaze is an estimated 2% contained.
The Mullen Fire slowed some coming out of wilderness area of the forest. Growth was not as intense Sunday as expected, with mainly interior burning & some expansion around the middle of the burn. Ground and aerial operations were successful in securing 2% containment near the fire’s heel on the west side.
However, due to strong winds and the advancement of the fire to the northeast, Albany County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) has requested the Centennial Valley to prepare for potential evacuations. This area includes private land along Fox Creek Road, the communities of Albany, Centennial, extending North West to the Snowy Range along highway 130, and all areas west of Highway 11 in the valley. Residents there should be prepared to leave immediately if an evacuation order is called for.
On Sunday afternoon, Albany County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) requested evacuation of the Keystone area. This area includes Keystone proper, lower Keystone, Langford/Ricker, Moore’s Gulch, and 507C cabin grouping.
Initially called Savage Run Fire because the fire got its start there, the Mullen has crossed the Savage Run Wilderness boundary on the south flank, as well as the 512 Road. In addition to the Savage Run Wilderness, the fire is now established in the Platte River Wilderness.
Rambler, & Rob Roy areas have been evacuated. All public, including campers and hunters, should leave the area
Helicopters, air tankers, and single-engine air tankers are working the fire edges.
A preliminary investigation indicates the Mullen Fire could have been human caused. Law enforcement officers from the Forest Service are requesting public assistance with the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with firsthand information on activity occurring in the eastern area of Savage Run Wilderness, in the South Mullen Creek drainage, is urged to call the Medicine Bow National Forest – Laramie Ranger District anonymous tip line at 307-745-2392. When calling the tip line, select option 5 (to report other information).
At the time the fire started the forest was under Stage II fire restrictions, meaning no campfires.
