A 11,084 acre wildfire burning on Pedro Mountain on Natrona and Carbon counties was 10 percent contained as of Thursday. According to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the fire located in south-central Wyoming was sparked by a lightning strike Sunday afternoon.
Three hotshot crews consisting of more than 250 people and 22 engines are battling the flames, assisted by air tankers.
Evacuation orders are still in effect for Pedro Mountain Estates and for residents living along Pedro Mountain Ranch Road as well as Cardwell Ranch.
Natrona County Road 291 remains open to the public, with the exception of western travel between Leo/Sage Creek and the Natrona County line, for public safety.
Firefighters are preparing for windy, warm and dry conditions favorable to fire growth in the next few days.
“Crews and air support will strategically allow the fire to slowly approach downhill from the higher, rocky areas in order to establish more ‘back line’ (burned vegetation) adjacent to the grass and sage-covered flats that can quickly carry fire,” fire managers said in a news release. “This will provide for firefighters’ safety and allow crews to better protect structures when the predicted winds shift to out of the southwest in the next few days.”
Damage to property is still under assessment by the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and fire warden.
A call-back list has been established by the Sheriff’s Office. Those seeking information on a specific property are urged to call (307) 324-2776 to leave contact information for updates and notifications.
Red Cross is also assisting those effected by the fire or anyone needing help. People needing assistance are advised to contact the Red Cross at (307) 321-1514.
