Wyoming Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for Wyoming - August 02, 2026

Overview

Wyoming is experiencing an elevated wildfire risk due to a high-pressure heat dome pushing temperatures near or above 100 degrees, combined with ongoing drought and critically dry fuels. This combination of factors has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state. The National Weather Service has warned of extreme heat and elevated fire weather conditions, prompting coordinated preparedness efforts across local, state, and federal agencies.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in Wyoming, and significant wildland fire activity is occurring across multiple geographic areas. Over the last 72 hours, extreme heat and dry conditions have led to new fire starts and the reignition of previous incidents. Firefighters are working aggressively to contain these fires while also preparing for potential new starts driven by erratic winds and dry thunderstorms.

Key Fires:

• Left Creek Fire: Started on the afternoon of August 1, 2026, and located southwest of Devil's Tower National Monument, this fire has burned approximately 225 acres and is currently at 0% containment. Fueled by local timber and brush, its rapid spread has resulted in the immediate evacuation and closure of Devil's Tower National Monument. Federal, state, and local crews are on the scene.
• Kohns Fire: This lightning-caused fire, burning in Rozet (Campbell County), has reached 2,700 acres and is currently 50% contained. Firefighters continue to work on reinforcing containment lines in the dry vegetation.
• Raven Creek Fire: Located 13 miles southeast of Moorcroft, this fire has burned 4,245 acres. It was sparked by a downed powerline and has been fueled by critically dry grasses and sagebrush.
• Bigly Fire: Located south of Johnson Siding off Victoria Lake Road, this fire reignited in the extreme heat on August 1 and is estimated at 10 to 15 acres. Multiple resources, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft, are engaged in suppression. Victoria Lake and Taylor Ranch Roads are currently closed.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Due to severe drought conditions and increased fire danger, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department has implemented an immediate open fire ban on all Commission-owned and administered lands within Albany, Carbon, Fremont, Goshen, Laramie, and Platte counties. Additionally, Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect across multiple jurisdictions, including the Bearlodge and Hell Canyon Ranger Districts, and Teton County has suspended all burn permits for the remainder of the summer.

Air Quality: Smoke from active regional fires is impacting local air quality. Patchy and widespread smoke has been reported in areas including Casper, Sheridan, Clearmont, and Yellowstone National Park. Residents in these areas should be aware and use caution, especially those with respiratory sensitivities.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A high-pressure heat dome is bringing near-record heat to the region, with temperatures reaching up to 103 degrees in lower-elevation basins.
Forecasted Weather: The National Weather Service in Riverton has issued Red Flag Warnings for Central, Southwest, and West Central Wyoming through Monday evening. Relative humidity values are expected to plunge to 5 to 10 percent, combined with hot temperatures and gusty westerly to northwesterly winds reaching up to 35 mph. These critical conditions could cause erratic and extreme fire behavior. A cold front is expected to arrive late Sunday night into Monday, dropping temperatures by 15 to 20 degrees, though dry and breezy conditions will persist.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents and visitors are urged to adhere strictly to all fire bans and restrictions. It is crucial to stay out of areas with active fire operations, such as the road closures near the Bigly Fire and Devil's Tower, to avoid impeding firefighting efforts and aircraft.
Resource Allocation: Multiple resources, including federal, state, and local crews, engines, and aviation assets, are actively engaged across the state. Agencies are continuously monitoring conditions and positioning resources to respond to potential new starts driven by the critical fire weather.

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.