Wyoming Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Wyoming - June 03, 2026

Overview

Wyoming is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk driven by severe drought conditions, below-normal snowpack, and the early drying of fuels across the state. State officials have noted that Wyoming is transitioning from a traditional "fire season" to a year-round "fire year." The combination of a highly dry climate, dying grasses, and abundant dry fuels—including trees impacted by disease and insect infestation—has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the region. The state is preparing for an active and potentially extended wildfire season.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, dry conditions and high winds have contributed to new wildfire starts on federal and state lands. Firefighters are actively responding to these incidents, working to contain them quickly before they can spread. The potential for new significant wildfires remains above normal due to the critically dry fuels.

Key Fires:

• Sandpiper Fire: While contained earlier in the season, this fire in Converse and Natrona counties burned 6,287 acres, making it the largest fire in the state this year. It was fueled primarily by dry grasses and brush.
• Porcupine Creek Fire: Located in Campbell County, this fire burned 2,490 acres and previously caused evacuations for the town of Wright before being contained.
• Broad Mesa Fire: First reported on June 1, this active wildfire has burned approximately 18 acres in the badlands area southwest of Hells Half Acre, about 45 miles west of Casper. It is burning on federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land. Currently, no structures are at risk. The fire is being fed by dry prairie grasses and badland brush.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The BLM and the U.S. Forest Service are actively conducting prescribed burns to mitigate future fire risks and reduce hazardous fuel loads. The BLM is targeting approximately 2,000 acres across the state, including the west slope of the Big Horn Mountains and the southwest corner of Wyoming. Additionally, the Medicine Bow National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations on the Pole Mountain unit in Albany County, targeting up to 2,000 acres of masticated fuels.
Air Quality: Smoke from these prescribed fires may be visible from Wyoming Highway 210 (Happy Jack Highway), Interstate 80, and nearby roads. Smoke dispersal is being closely monitored in collaboration with the Wyoming Air Quality Division. The public is advised not to report these prescribed fires, and individuals with respiratory sensitivities should monitor local air quality updates.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A cooler but very dry airmass is prevailing over the region following a recent cold frontal passage.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect for portions of south and central Wyoming, particularly across Johnson and Natrona counties and the southern Bighorn Mountains. Minimum relative humidity levels are expected to drop to 8-15%, which, combined with gusty west winds, will create highly favorable conditions for the rapid spread of any existing fires or new hotspots. Scattered dry thunderstorms are also a potential risk. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged during this time.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to use extreme caution with any potential ignition sources. Officials recommend creating defensible space around properties, replacing highly flammable cheatgrass with perennial grasses, and avoiding hauling chains in tall grasses. With the upcoming summer months, the public is reminded to be extremely careful with campfires and to heed all local burn restrictions.
Resource Allocation: Interagency partners, including the BLM, U.S. Forest Service, and local fire departments, are coordinating closely to position firefighting resources where they are most needed. Agencies are emphasizing preparedness and rapid response to mitigate the impacts of human-caused and lightning-triggered fires.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
Wyoming State Forestry Division: wsfd.wyo.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.