Lightning starts multiple in the Clearmont Area

Saturday morning, August 1, Anita Bartlett, Public Information Officer trainee on the Lumen Fire, stated in a news release that on Friday a lightning storm moved across the region starting multiple fires north of Clearmont, near the junction of the SR-Buffalo and Passaic Roads. Two fires were quickly contained; however, the Lumin Fire continues to burn. Local resources from Clearmont Fire District and all Sheridan County Fire Districts, Sheridan County Road & Bridge, CDS and Fischer heavy equipment contractors, Campbell County Fire, Wyoming State Forestry Helitack, and fixed wing aviation quickly began suppression.

Weather and fuel conditions lead to the fire quickly growing in size. While structures were threatened, none have been lost so far. The terrain and fuels have made this fire difficult to contain and since its start the fire has burned approximately 7,200 acres of private and state lands. Additionally, crews and resources have been ordered to relieve local resources. The fire has had firelines constructed around it, but faces significant weather challenges this evening.
SR-Buffalo and Passaic Roads will be seeing increased traffic with fire personnel in the area.
We are asking at this time that only necessary travel takes place in the area.

At this time, a Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT) has been ordered. Members of the team have begun to arrive in Clearmont and will assume command of the incident at
approximately noon today. The IMT is currently focused on public and fire personnel safety as they quickly get briefed on fire operations to take command of the incident.

A drone in the wrong place at the wrong time can have serious consequences. When drones are
flown near a wildfire, firefighting aircraft may be forced to stop operations immediately. These
aircraft fly low, fast, and in reduced visibility, making it extremely dangerous for pilots if a drone is in the area. Every minute aircraft are grounded is another minute the fire has to grow—putting firefighters, homes, livestock, and our communities at greater risk. If you fly, they can’t.

The Clearmont Fire District would like to extend their appreciation to the Cowboy Bar & Grill,
McDonalds in Buffalo, Wyarno Bar & Grill, Padlock Ranch, Sheridan Ranches, and Coca Cola
Bottling Company for their contributions to the Lumin Fire. Currently, the Clearmont Fire District is not in need of any items for this fire.

Photos courtesy Clearmont Fire District. For more photos go to clearmontfd.com

Click here for more information regarding the fire.