September 9th 8:30 AM Update:

 

On Sunday, September 6th a major lightning storm swept through Albany and Platte counties. To the right is a video of that lightening storm.

 

It appears as though that storm caused a fire in Albany County, now known as the Moonshine Fire. The fire started between Moonshine Peak and Government Peak - the nearest road is Tunnel Road in Albany County. 

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Around 8 AM on Tuesday, September 8th, the fire was reported to be around 300 acres, but by the end of the day had grown to over 1,300 acres. Approximately 55 volunteer firefighters from Platte and Albany counties began initial firefighting efforts. Multiple Large Aerial Tankers (LATs) and Single Engine Aerial Tankers (SEATs) have been dropping slurry to create a fire line. In Platte County, Emergency Management Coordinator Jamie Rietz says a solid defensive line has been built on the Platte County side. He anticipates firefighting efforts will take multiple days. 

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Two structures were "burnt by" on Tuesday, meaning the fire passed by the structures. Due to heavy smoke the condition of those structures remains unknown as of 8 AM on September 9th.  

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September 9th 6:30 PM Update:

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A Type 3 team arrived on Wednesday, September 9th. Approximately 150 personnel are on site between the Type 3 team, hot shot crews, air assets and the continued service from local volunteer firefighters. 

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The Moonshine Fire has grown to 2,600 acres and is currently 0% contained. Rough terrain and dry, windy conditions made containment difficult. Kalie Glines, the Public Information Officer (PIO) provided an update at about 5:30 PM on September 9th.

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PIO Glines said no donations are needed at this time. However, if individuals wish to donate, she asks that you consider donating nonperishable supplies to your local fire department, Red Cross, or food banks.

 

September 10th 7:00 AM Update:

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Per the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team, the Moonshine Fire has burned 3,458 acres with 0% containment. Rough conditions and hot, dry weather conditions are not conducive to firefighting efforts but solid defensive fire lines have been created in Platte County. 

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At this time, it is unknown whether any structures have been lost. Heavy smoke is making it difficult to confirm whether any structures have been lost.  

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September 10th 6:00 PM Update:

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Per the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team, the Moonshine Fire has burned 3,928 acres with 0% containment. It has been confirmed that two structures have been lost. More structures may be in the fire's path. The hard work of dedicated firefighters and more favorable weather conditions may prevent those structures from being lost. 

 

The fire has now crossed into Platte County along Cooney Hills Road. Fire management asks that people avoid the area to ensure firefighters are able to quickly access vulnerable areas.  

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September 11th 7:00 AM Update:

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The Moonshine Fire is now measuring at 4,869 acres burned with 0% containment. A number of burns were conducted yesterday in an attempt to establish firm fire lines. More burns are expected today. The fire is located in very difficult terrain but federal, state and local crews continue to battle. 

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September 12th 10:00 AM Update:

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An evacuation order for the Bookout Ranch was ordered on Friday, September 11th. ​Multiple structures were in a threatened status as the fire moved to the North. As of Saturday, September 12th, firefighting crews were working to finish structure protection measures. The structures are still technically considered "threatened" but crews are optimistic their efforts will allow those structures to be saved. 

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High winds on Friday grounded aircraft, unfortunately. However, higher humidity overnight prevented lighter fuels from being carried by that wind. 

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As of 9:30 AM, the fire had been measured at 6,494 acres with 26% containment. There will be a community meeting on Sunday, September 13th at 6:00 PM at the 10th Street Social in Wheatland. At this meeting, the Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team will provide an update to community members and explain the fire's progression. 

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We will continue to provide updates as they are provided to us. Thank you to all firefighters for their tremendous efforts!