(Fremont County, WY) – The Fremont County Fire Protection District responded to a reported grass fire on South Fork Road in the community of Fort Washakie at approximately 12:25 PM today, January 27.
Updated information received while units were en route indicated the fire had extended to and consumed an old barn that appeared to be abandoned, prompting a multi-battalion response.
Upon arrival, fire crews observed active fire and grass fuels with involvement of the barn structure. Windy conditions contributed to fire spread, and firefighters initiated suppression operations to stop forward progress, protect nearby exposures, and secure the scene.
Responding units included Fort Washakie Fire – Battalion 12, Central Fire – Battalion 1, Lander Rural Fire Department – Battalion 3, and Morton-Kinnear Fire – Battalion 5, along with multiple chief officers who assisted with incident command and coordination.
The fire was brought under control, and crews remained on scene to complete mop-up operations and check for remaining hotspots.
The fire burned approximately four acres. No injuries were reported, and no occupants were associated with the involved structure. The cause of the fire appears to be an unattended burn barrel. The incident remains under review.
The Fremont County Fire Protection District reminds residents that burn barrels and open burning should never be left unattended, especially during windy conditions, and to follow all local burn regulations.