Wyoming Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Wyoming - May 11, 2026

Overview

Wyoming is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk due to persistent moderate-to-severe drought conditions, a historic lack of winter snowpack, and unusually warm temperatures. Fire officials are on high alert, noting that the lack of typical spring green-up has left cured vegetation and fine fuels highly receptive to ignition. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, indicating that while national resources are currently adequate, regional fire activity and preparedness measures are beginning to increase early in the season.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: Over the last 72 hours, initial attack activity has been light to moderate, with no new large, uncontained wildfires reported within the state. However, 13 counties across Wyoming have already implemented fire restrictions due to the dry climate and above-average temperatures. Firefighters and land management agencies are using this time to prepare for what is expected to be a severe fire season, drawing comparisons to the historic 1988 Yellowstone fires due to the severe drought.

Key Fires:
(Note: There are currently no significant large uncontained wildfires threatening communities or values at risk in Wyoming over the last 72 hours. Earlier this spring, fires such as the Sandpiper Fire and Porcupine Creek Fire burned thousands of acres, fueled by dry grasses and timber.)

Prescribed Burns and Land Management:
Agencies are actively utilizing current weather windows to conduct prescribed burns to manage fuel loads, reduce wildfire risk, and restore habitats:

• Medicine Bow National Forest: Prescribed fire operations are planned for the Pole Mountain unit in Albany County. Broadcast burning will target up to 2,000 acres of masticated fuels, with hundreds of hand piles also planned for treatment near Eagle Rock and Bisbee/Markley Hills.
• BLM Cody Field Office: A prescribed burn is being conducted in Cottonwood Canyon, east of Lovell, targeting 500 acres of mountain mahogany and conifer encroachment to enhance wildlife habitat and ecosystem diversity.
• Ocean Lake WHMA: The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is implementing a prescribed fire on several ponds to manage cattail encroachment, increase open water, and improve waterfowl nesting habitat.

Air Quality: Smoke from these prescribed burns may be visible from surrounding areas, including Wyoming Highway 210, Interstate 80, and the town of Riverton. Smoke dispersal is being closely monitored in collaboration with the Wyoming Air Quality Division, and residents are asked not to report these planned fires to emergency dispatchers.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Recent days brought a brief snap of cold, wet weather to southeast Wyoming, but overall conditions across the state remain dry. In central areas like Natrona County, temperatures are hovering near 70°F with low humidity dropping to around 19%.
Forecasted Weather: A drying and warming trend is expected to continue through the week, with temperatures remaining above normal. With the lack of snow cover in mid-to-high elevations, fine fuels remain available to burn. Residents should be aware that incoming weather patterns bringing strong winds combined with low relative humidity can lead to rapid fire spread.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: With 13 counties under fire restrictions, extreme caution is advised when recreating outdoors. Residents are urged to mitigate risks around their properties by clearing dead brush and creating defensible space to reduce the risk of catastrophic fires.
Resource Allocation: Firefighting agencies are bringing on additional aircraft and fire crews earlier in the year to prepare for the anticipated increase in fire activity. Agencies are training for increased fire risk and conducting fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas.

Resources

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

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.