Fire in Medicine Bow National Forest grows

Fueled by winds gusting as high as 40 mph, a wildfire burning in Wyoming’s Medicine Bow National Forest has grown to over 25,000 acres, and remains only 2 percent contained.

Driven by the high winds, the Mullen Fire expanded again on Thursday. According to an update based on a federal firefighting data base, firefighters braced for another active day on Friday due to similar weather conditions.

As of two days ago, over 180 personnel were reported to be working on the scene. According to the federal statement, firefighters expected to see significant growth to the east and northeast of the fire, and winds could affect air operations.

Structure protection crews were reported working to defend homes and structures in evacuated areas. As of Tuesday this week, there were mandatory evacuations in the Lake Creek community, Rambler community, Rob Roy community, Keystone communities, Keystone proper, lower Keystone, Langford/Ricker, Moore’s Gulch and the 507C Cabin grouping.

Windy weather is expected to continue over the next several days.