(Fremont County, WY) – Fremont County Fire Protection District Chief Ron Wempen has confirmed that a slash pile that got “out of control” was the cause of the June 22 fire about a half mile away from Arapahoe, which grew to about 1.5 acres before being contained and mopped up. (While the Watch Duty App screenshot in the featured image says “5 acres,” the total acreage was later updated to just 1.5.)
Chief Wempen said on Sunday that the fire occurred near 17 Mile Road and Tobacco Road, and later told County 10 that BIW Fire and the Riverton Fire District responded to the call.
“They advised that it appeared to have been a slash pile that had gotten out of control,” Chief Wempen shared before adding that there were no injuries or structural damage as a result of the fire.
Chief Wempen also wanted to advise all Fremont County residents that the area cheatgrass is “very flammable” right now, and that “things are drying out fast” as we go into fireworks season, so to use caution when burning or setting off fireworks.