Wyoming Wildfire Forces Evacuations, Destroys Buildings

No injuries were reported but at least 10 homes and several outbuildings were damaged.

A second day in a row of dry weather and strong wind Monday caused the fire to spread across more than 15 square miles of grassland near Evansville, just east of Casper.

Fawcett continued to report that crews have managed the Scorpion Way outburst, and they are continuing to work on containment of hot spots in the area.

The fire was about 50 percent contained as of 8:30 a.m. Monday, Fawcett said. “And then it calmed down last night and for a while this morning, and now the winds have picked back up again”, says Fawcett.

The Red Cross has set up an Evacuation and Information Center at their building at 318 W. B St.in Casper.

Kraig Kidder with Casper Fire EMS, says “It’s very important that the citizens of the surrounding area, if you have a home stay out of the area”.

Police were letting evacuees return under escort to check on livestock and other animals. An accurate size of the grass fire that has engulfed multiple structures has yet to be determined, but it is believed to be several thousand acres.

Natrona County Fire Marshall Bob Fawcett says more than 100 firefighters and two air tankers were fighting the fire.

The cause of the fire at the composting area Saturday evening remained unknown.