Lightning sparks fire

Lightning caused a fire east of Aladdin last week that had reached 50 acres by the time Crook County Fire Department arrived on scene and was already spreading rapidly to the east.

The fire began on Wednesday, was located off Brakes Rd and is believed to have been caused by lightning, according to Fire Warden Charlie Harrison.

At that time, the wind was blowing steadily at 10 mph with 25 mph gusts.

A sizeable response was mustered, including units from Aladdin, Beulah, Sundance, Zone 19, Hulett and Crook County Road and Bridge. Assistance also came from Black Hills National Forest, Belle Fourche and Wyoming State Forestry, along with a number of local residents.

In total, 26 engines responded to the fire, alongside six water tenders, two hand crews, four bulldozers, one blade, three large air tankers and an air attack platform.

Together, these units were able to stop the forward rate of spread at 79 acres.

Crews worked through the night to strengthen the lines and mop up and continued to do so on Saturday. At that time, it was placed in patrol status with the landowners.

One minor injury to a firefighter has been reported.