PHOTOS: Pre-Evacuation Orders Given as NE Wyoming ‘Skull Creek Fire’ Grows

PHOTOS: Pre-Evacuation Orders Given as NE Wyoming ‘Skull Creek Fire’ Grows

Weston County Emergency Management Facebook photo

Originally reported by Brendan LaChanceOil City News.

CASPER — Pre-evacuation orders are in place in areas near the “Skull Creek Fire” which Weston County Emergency Management said Wednesday has grown “rapidly due to dry fuels, hot temperatures, low humidity and windy conditions.”

The fire was discovered at aroun 1:30 pm Wednesday, the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center map shows.

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“The fire is burning just east of the Sundown Trail subdivision, where Pre-Evacuation Orders have been put in place,” Weston County Emergency Management said in Wednesday. “The current fire size is estimated to be 600-800 acres, however more accurate mapping will take place tomorrow.”

A red flag warning went into effect at 10 am Thursday morning in the area with high winds expected Thursday night.

Weston County Emergency Management Facebook photo

Weston County Emergency Management said that firefighters Thursday would work to “continue to construct fire line, reinforce existing line and concentrate efforts on protecting the subdivision while ensuring firefighter and public safety.”

Agencies responding to the fire include Weston County, Wyoming State Forestry Division and Thunder Basin National Grassland resources. The fire is burning in timber approximately six miles north of Osage and west of Skull Creek Road.

“Over 40 firefighters, 19 engines, 4 dozers, 2 blades and 4 water tenders were on scene,” Weston County Emergency Management said Wednesday. “Fire containment is estimated to be about 25 percent.”

Weston County Emergency Management Facebook photo