Wyoming is experiencing an explosive wildfire season, with five major fires in the state today, dozens of other smaller fires and 270,000 acres of land burned.

The governor, Mark Gordon, has responded expeditiously, declaring: ‘I have committed all available resources to the fight against fires this summer and even with five large wildfires still burning within Wyoming, protecting life, property, and control remains our top priority.

Fire crews are using a mix of ground and air resources to limit these fires, build containment lines and slow their spread, as well as protecting threatened structures. Difficult terrain and dry fuels are impeding firefighting efforts, which demonstrate a tough year ahead.

Wyoming will work with its federal partners – the USDA, which has provided disaster assistance for private landowners and producers to cope with losses and help recovery, along with the Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Fish and Wildlife Service – to determine other recovery resources. Producers must document their losses to be offered that assistance. The state legislature will also need to decide whether to provide further aid or support to those who were affected.

The wildfire situation in Wyoming remains dynamic and unsettled: crews are working to contain and mitigate flames; the state is mobilizing to respond and is coordinating efforts with the federal agencies and local communities; and a long recovery is yet to come.

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