Burning Coal Seam Likely Caused Deer Creek 2 Fire

The Deer Creek 2 Fire originated off Echeta Road and is estimated at 3,000 acres and is 15% contained as of Wednesday evening (July 28th).

Afternoon flight surveillance operations will give the incident management team more information on any containment.

The cause of the fire is suspected to be a burning coal seam that surfaced and ignited the dry fuel around it Monday afternoon (July 26th).

It is unknown how the coal seam ignited or how long it has been burning.

The fire is actively burning in difficult, rugged terrain.

Fuels involved consist of grass, juniper and some ponderosa pine.

This fire is burning on federal, state and private lands in Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan Counties.

No structures have been lost, nor have any evacuations or road closures have been issued.

The extreme heat and low humidity are the main safety concerns for firefighters. One firefighter did endure some heat related issues, but is doing well and will be back on the fire Friday.

It is expected to be in the upper 90’s today (Thursday) with north winds at 15-20 miles per hour gusting to 30 miles per hour and relative humidity around 16%.

There is a chance of showers overnight with east-northeast winds at 15-20 miles per hour.

An air quality alert has been issued until 1pm Thursday due to fires burning in western states.

Everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality.

There are 125 people working from federal, state and local county partners on the Deer Creek 2 Fire.

Resources include 3 dozers, 3 blades, 5 engines, 1 water tender, 4 hand crews, 6 field supervisors, Wyoming State Helitack and a Wyoming State Type III Incident Management Team took over this morning (Thursday).

The main objective for this afternoon is to protect human life and safety for both firefighters and the public while protecting communities, property, natural resources and other values at risk.

Another goal is to keep the fire perimeter as small as possible by implementing an effective suppression strategy utilizing direct attack where and when appropriate to do so.