Wyoming Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Wyoming - August 23, 2026

Overview

Wyoming is experiencing one of its busiest and most complex fire seasons in recent years, driven by a dry climate, prolonged drought, and above-average temperatures following a summer with lighter-than-normal rainfall. The state has seen over 800 wildfires burning nearly 50,000 acres this season. The current National Preparedness Level is 5—the highest level—indicating that national firefighting resources are heavily committed across the country due to major fires in multiple states.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires across Wyoming, with significant wildland fire activity requiring both local and national support. Several new fires have ignited within the last 72 hours, including the Soft Water Fire and the South Weston Fire. Firefighters are actively engaging in direct extinguishment and indirect confinement strategies to manage incident objectives amidst challenging conditions.

Key Fires:

• Weiser Knoll Fire: Located 13 miles southeast of Lander on South Pass in Fremont County, this is Wyoming's largest wildfire of the year at 15,817 acres. It is currently 95% contained. The fire has been fueled by highly dry sagebrush-steppe, pinyon-juniper, and short grass. Evacuation orders were previously utilized for the Twin Creek drainage area, and crews are now focused on monitoring and holding containment lines.
• Lumin Fire: Located in Sheridan County, this fire has burned 7,285 acres and is one of the largest incidents in the state this season.
• Sandpiper Fire: Located in Converse and Natrona counties, this fire has burned 6,287 acres.
• West Coal Creek Fire: A recent start on August 19 in Campbell County, this fire has burned approximately 896 acres.
• Bare Fire: Located in the Wyoming Range on the Bridger-Teton National Forest in Sublette County, this fire is estimated at 800 acres. It is burning in heavy timber fuels and has exhibited increased activity, including torching and spotting.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect for the Teton Interagency Dispatch area, which includes the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge. The fire danger rating remains "high" for these areas, meaning wildfires can start easily and spread quickly.
Air Quality: Wildfire smoke from local incidents and distant fires across the western United States is impacting regional air quality. Patchy and widespread smoke is expected to linger, particularly in mountain basins, the Pinedale area, and downwind of active fires. Residents with respiratory issues are advised to minimize outdoor activities.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Temperatures across much of Wyoming are in the 80s and 90s, with sunny skies and very dry conditions. Relative humidity levels have dropped into the mid-teens, and down to 5% to 10% in some southern areas.
Forecasted Weather: Red Flag Warnings are in effect for multiple regions, including Carbon and Albany counties, as well as the Yellowstone, Teton, Cody, and Casper dispatch areas. Elevated winds with gusts up to 30-55 mph, combined with critically low humidity, are expected over the next 72 hours. Dry microbursts and isolated dry thunderstorms are possible, increasing the risk of new fire starts from lightning and rapid spread of existing fires.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are urged to adhere to current fire restrictions and avoid any activities that could spark a wildfire. With the high risk of dry thunderstorms and gusty winds, it is crucial to have an emergency evacuation plan in place and stay alert to local emergency management updates.
Resource Allocation: Due to the National Preparedness Level 5, firefighting resources are stretched thin nationwide. Local agencies are heavily utilizing aviation resources, such as the Wyoming Helitac Program, to deliver water drops and support ground crews in suppressing new starts as quickly as possible.

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.