Wyoming Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Wyoming - August 10, 2026

Overview

Wyoming is experiencing an elevated fire risk due to unseasonably hot temperatures, critically low humidity, and gusty winds creating hazardous conditions across the high plains and forested areas. This combination of factors has led to rapid fire spread and extreme fire behavior in multiple regions. National and local resources are heavily committed to managing the current incidents, and dense wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest is significantly impacting air quality across the state.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in Wyoming, with significant wildland fire activity occurring across federal, state, and private lands. Firefighters are actively working to contain these blazes while navigating critical fire weather conditions. While several smaller fires (such as the Two Forks and Cat Creek fires) have been contained in recent days, new starts and active blazes are requiring extensive multi-agency coordination.

Key Fires:
Weiser Knoll Fire: Ignited on August 9, 2026, and located 13 miles southeast of Lander in Fremont County. It has quickly grown to an estimated 3,800 acres and is currently 0% contained. The fire is burning on BLM-managed federal land and is fueled primarily by short grass. It has exhibited extreme, running behavior with short-range spotting. Crews are actively working to establish containment lines, though the fire remains highly active.

Bare Fire: Located southwest of Pinedale in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, and extending onto adjacent BLM and private lands in Sublette County. Ignited by lightning on August 4, 2026, it is currently estimated at 443 acres (recently revised down due to more accurate aerial mapping) and is 0% contained. The fire is burning in heavy timber fuels and continues to exhibit active behavior, including torching and spotting. Approximately 168 personnel are assigned, utilizing both direct extinguishment and indirect confinement strategies to protect nearby structures. The High Lonesome Ranch is currently in the "Set" stage for possible evacuation.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Driven by extreme drought conditions and heightened fire danger, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has imposed an open fire ban on most Commission-owned and administered lands statewide, including 45 Wildlife Habitat Management Areas and 199 Public Access Areas. This ban prohibits campfires, charcoal grills, wood-burning stoves, and fireworks. Additionally, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions remain in effect across multiple jurisdictions, including the Teton Interagency Dispatch area (Bridger-Teton National Forest, Grand Teton National Park, and the National Elk Refuge) and various BLM districts.

Air Quality: An Air Quality Alert remains in effect for much of Wyoming. Upper-level high pressure is transporting dense wildfire smoke from the Pacific Northwest across the state, keeping skies hazy and limiting visibility. The smoke is settling into basins during the cooler overnight and morning hours. The Wyoming Department of Health advises children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions to minimize outdoor activities.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: Unseasonably hot temperatures in the 90s, combined with relative humidity dropping as low as 10% to 15%, are present across the state, creating highly receptive environments for fire ignition.
Forecasted Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect through 9:00 PM MDT today for much of central, north-central, northwest, southwest, and west-central Wyoming (including Fremont, Natrona, Sweetwater, Uinta, Lincoln, and Sublette counties). Westerly winds of 10 to 20 mph with gusts up to 30 mph are expected. There is also a significant risk of isolated dry thunderstorms late this afternoon that could produce erratic outflow wind gusts up to 55 mph, further elevating the fire danger. A substantial weather transition bringing cooler temperatures and widespread rain showers is expected to arrive by Wednesday and Thursday, which should help ease fire conditions.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are advised to adhere strictly to all fire bans and Stage 1 restrictions. Those near active fires, particularly the Bare Fire, should remain vigilant and monitor pre-evacuation notices through the "Ready, Set, Go" alert system. Due to poor air quality, vulnerable populations should limit outdoor exposure and keep windows closed when smoke is heavy.
Resource Allocation: Firefighters are working under critical fire weather conditions with a focus on life safety and structure protection. Agencies are coordinating efforts across jurisdictional boundaries, utilizing aerial resources, heavy equipment, and ground crews to reinforce control lines and monitor for spot 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
Wyoming Game and Fish Department (Fire Bans): wgfd.wyo.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.