Lightning strike sparks 3.2 hectare fire at Curt Gowdy

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – On July 14 at approximately 2:42 p.m., Albany County, Laramie County Fire District 10, Laramie County Fire Authority, Medicine Bow National Forest and the Emergency Management Agency responded to a report of smoke west of Curt Gowdy State Park. A wildfire was contained to 8 acres. According to a press release from the LCFA, the fire was caused by a lightning strike.

Local partners included Albany County, LCFD10, LCFA, Medicine Bow National Forest, Wyoming Red Cross, Vedauwoo, Wyoming State Parks, Albany County Sheriff, and EMA. The County Combined Communications Center facilitated coordination. At peak, approximately 54 people, 20 pieces of equipment, and four aircraft were on site.

“Crews worked throughout the night to contain the fire. However, smoke will still be visible for most of today,” said Josh Van Vlack, Division Chief of Residents LCFA. Crews will remain on site throughout the day to ensure complete containment.

Fire Chief Jason Caughey stressed the importance of fire safety measures. “Take the time now to protect your property, mow your lawn, tidy up your yard and remove flammable materials like hay bales and wood piles from the sides of your homes,” he said. He added that tall grass poses a significant fire hazard given the current weather conditions and the dry fuel loads from last summer’s rains.

Caughey urged residents to help by reinforcing safety zones around their homes and outbuildings. “It’s not a question of if, but when, another event like this will happen,” he explained. For property assessments and safety recommendations, residents are asked to call the LCFA or email [email protected]. Van Vlack and Rusty Dunham are ready to help.