Fire fights continue

Once again busier than would normally be expected at this time of year, the county's firefighters were called to two significant blazes over the last week. The first claimed a home near Sundance, while the second spread to over 200 acres near Barlow Canyon, north of Devils Tower.

The structure fire on Tuesday night claimed a single family residence on Cow Camp Road, northwest of Sundance, but no injuries were reported to the residents or the firefighters who responded.

The fire is believed to have begun at around 2:35 a.m. on March 6. At this time, the cause is unknown and under investigation.

Sundance Fire Department responded along with a county fire unit. Upon arrival, crews found that the structure was burned to the foundation.

Work began to extinguish the fire that had spread into a nearby travel trailer and make sure that it did not spread to the surrounding vegetation.

The fire was reported contained at 6 a.m. The home was completely destroyed by the fire.

The second fire started just before 11 a.m. on March 9 and required two days of efforts to bring under control. It was located near the intersection of Barlow Canyon and Ewing Rd.

On the first day, 12 engines responded along with two water tenders, two dozers and two overhead units.

Progress was stopped at 207 acres, reports Fire Warden Charlie Harrison. On the second day, six county engines were joined by an engine each from the BLM and Wyoming State Forestry, a state Firebuster crew and additional state and county units.

On Monday, mop-up continued to strengthen the lines around the fire, which had not grown since the first day and was reported 95% contained. According to Harrison, smoke may continue to be visible in the area for several days.

The cause of the Barlow Canyon Fire is reported to be an escaped controlled burn.

Cutlines – Courtesy photos

The residence was already burned to the foundation when firefighters arrived at the scene.

Caused by an escaped burn, the Barlow Canyon Fire was stopped at 207 acres.