(Hot Springs County, WY) – The Rocky Mountain 2 Team has shared the Red Canyon Fire update for today, August 19, which indicates the fire grew to 107,885 acres since yesterday, and remains at 28% containment.
471 personnel are currently addressing the fire.
“Yesterday, the Governor’s Office declared a State of Emergency in Wyoming due to ongoing wildfires, including the Red Canyon Fire,” today’s update informs. “Following this, FEMA approved a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) for the Red Canyon Fire, which provides federal funding for eligible firefighting costs such as camps, equipment, tools, supplies, and mobilization. This funding ensures fire managers have the resources to strengthen suppression efforts and protect affected communities.”
Additionally, a community meeting was held in Thermopolis, and a recording of that meeting will be posted on the new Red Canyon Fire Information Facebook page, which will now be the primary source of official fire information.
The rest of today’s update is available below.
Operations: Yesterday, crews in Div. C continued mop-up, patrol, and line securing, with Buffalo Creek fully contained by nightfall. Div. O strengthened existing dozer lines, while Divs. N and M coordinated with Hotshot crews and air resources to address significant fire activity. Air operations were intensive, with helicopters, scoopers, and an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) flight conducting water drops, and reconnaissance missions. Today, Div. O is focused on patrol and mop-up. Div. N is continuing line construction with added heavy equipment, while Div. M is scouting ways to connect Pack Saddle Road to the fire area to limit southern fire spread.
Weather: While yesterday brought the expected hot, dry conditions with temperatures climbing above 90 degrees and humidity dropping into the mid-teens, similar conditions are expected today, with slightly higher temperatures and even lower humidity. Overnight humidity recovery will continue to be poor. Winds remain terrain-driven and predictable, with the strongest and most noticeable impacts along ridgetops.
Closures: Closures include Buffalo Creek Road at the cattle guard, closed to all traffic, and eastbound Black Mountain Road from Cowboy Mine Road. Updates are available at
Evacuations: Evacuations are in place for Buffalo Creek Road between Jones Creek Road and Reck Road, extending to the Fremont County line. This includes Kirby Creek, Lake Creek, Bridger Creek, and the Pack Saddle area. Kirby Creek Road between Red Hole Road and Buffalo Creek Road was previously evacuated. (The mandatory evacuation order and evacuation warning for Fremont County areas are still in effect.)
Safety: We encourage property owners to work and in coordination with fire managers. Together, we can reduce risks, keep firefighters focused, and strengthen community safety. A TFR is in place—drones are prohibited. If you fly, we can’t.