Crater Ridge Fire On The Move Again

A fire in the Big Horn National Forest has moved into an area that was on fire more than 50 years ago and has doubled in size within the past week.

As of 8am Wednesday, August 18th, the Crater Ridge Fire (about 30 miles north-northeast of Lovell) has burned more than 4,000 acres of land and is 30% contained.

The fire has been moving mostly in a north-northwest direction as of late and is now in the Pumpkin Creek burn scar area, which was on fire back in 1970 and has also crossed Forest Road 111.

Visibility has been poor as of late due to heavy smoke and erratic winds, which has made it difficult for fire crews to get to the fire.

The fire has also moved a little eastward and has crossed Mann Creek.

Poor visibility and gusty winds have prevented helicopters from dropping water on the area.

Fire crews anticipate that the approaching weather system will help clear up visibility and slow down the fire’s growth.