Fire rages south of Rock Springs

A fire south of Rock Springs continues to fiercely burn its way across the landscape.

The fire, located about 20 miles south of Rock Springs, started Sunday at about 3 p.m. and is estimated to be around 2,500 acres.

According to a Bureau of Land Management High Desert District press release, the wildfire has now spread to the Maggie Springs and Bitter Creek areas, near County Road 27.

"We do not know what caused this fire," Sweetwater County Fire Warden Mike Bournazian said.

With 35-45 mph winds Monday, more than 100 firefighters from the Bureau of Land Management, Wyoming State Forestry Division, Ashley National Forest, Sweetwater, Uinta, Carbon and Fremont counties, along with firefighting aircraft from surrounding states, were working hard to try and keep the fire from spreading. Thirteen engines, two helicopters, three airplanes, two Type-II IA hand crews and one bulldozer are being used to fight the fire as well.

"The forward spread of the fire has been stopped," Bournazian said. "If it gets blowing hard enough, we can't use the aircraft."

"We're really just trying to hold what we can," Bournazian said.

However, the windy conditions pushed the fire in the opposite direction following deep draws and available fuel, the release stated.

The wildfire has been contained, according to the release.

Although, Highway 191 was initially closed as a result of the fire, it reopened Monday.

Bournazian encourages people to take necessary precautions. Despite recent weather, many areas still are dry and something as simple as parking an off road vehicle in tall, dry grass is enough to start a fire.

He said no one should do any open burning and if they do, they must use extreme caution.

"The public is urged to use caution or avoid the area since fire behavior can change and fire spread is unpredictable if high winds develop," the BLM release states.

Residents are encouraged to report all wildfires immediately to the Rawlins Dispatch Center at 1-800-295-9935 or to call 911.