Fire razes home — Evacuations ordered for fire near Upton

A fast-moving wildfire east of Upton destroyed a home, prompted evacuation orders and closed U.S. Highway 16 on Saturday as firefighters from multiple agencies battled a series of railroad-sparked fires stretching from Moorcroft to the Upton area.

According to Weston County Fire Warden Daniel Tysdal, firefighters responded to multiple fires along the railroad corridor over the weekend. The fires ranged from one-tenth of an acre to 40.33 acres.

“The most significant fire, the Ponderosa Fire, was located near mile marker 222 on U.S. Hwy. 16 just east of Upton,” Tysdal said in a July 27 email.

The fire crossed both sides of the highway, resulting in the loss of one primary residence, three sheds, one open-faced shed, two well houses, a flatbed pickup, a tractor and other miscellaneous property.

Weston County Emergency Management Coordinator Gilbert Nelson said the homeowners were connected with the American Red Cross.

“One structure was considered a loss and we were able to get them in contact with the Red Cross,” Nelson said. “The Red Cross can assist with everything they are going to need.”

Nelson also credited Kelley Millar and community volunteers for quickly opening the Upton Community Center as a pre-evacuation site and arranging temporary lodging for the displaced residents.

“Kelley did so graciously already set them up with a room at the motel in Upton,” he said.

As the fire intensified Saturday afternoon, Emergency Management issued a series of evacuation notices.

At 4:41 p.m., residents within one mile of the fire were placed under a GO evacuation order and instructed to leave immediately, with the Upton Community Center serving as the designated pre-evacuation center.

Minutes later, the GO evacuation area was refined to include Ponderosa Court, while Oliver Road was placed under SET status, advising residents to prepare to leave at a moment’s notice.

By early evening, the Ponderosa Court area was downgraded from GO to SET status, and at 8:52 p.m. officials announced that all evacuation notices had been lifted and returned to READY status. Although residents were allowed to return home, Highway 16 remained closed Saturday night while firefighters continued suppression efforts.

Nelson said Weston County uses a three-stage evacuation system during emergencies.

“We are always basically in a READY state,” he said. “SET is the pre-evacuation state — be ready, pre-pack, etc. GO is go now.”

Weston County Fire Protection District reminded residents that because firefighters are focused on suppression efforts during active incidents, the district’s Facebook page is not updated as quickly as the Emergency Management page. Officials encouraged residents to rely on Emergency Management for the latest evacuation information.

A total of 34 fire engines, three utility task vehicles, five water tenders, an air support trailer, three single-engine air tankers, one Type 2 helicopter, one air attack aircraft, three bulldozers and five motor graders were used to combat the Ponderosa fire. Equipment and personnel came from Weston County, Crook County, the Wyoming State Forestry Division, Black Hills National Forest, Thunder Basin National Grassland, the Bureau of Land Management US Wildland Fire Service and several local contractors.

Later Saturday evening, firefighters were dispatched to the Mix fire on Elk Mountain. That fire was contained at 7.74 acres after crews responded with six engines, two tenders, a dozer, a command unit and additional heavy equipment.

Fire suppression and mop-up operations continued into the week, according to Tysdal.

The Ponderosa fire came during a period of extreme fire danger across Weston County. As previously reported, the county remains under Stage 1 open-burning restrictions because of ongoing drought conditions, and local fire officials have repeatedly warned that hot temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds are creating conditions favorable for rapid wildfire growth.

Officials said the weekend fires originated along the railroad corridor rather than being caused by members of the public. Even so, fire managers continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and avoid any activity that could create sparks as dangerous fire conditions persist across northeast Wyoming.

The evacuation stages

Weston County officials use a three-level evacuation system during wildfires to help residents prepare and leave safely if conditions worsen. Emergency managers encourage residents to understand what each stage means before an emergency occurs.

Level 1 – READY

Be prepared before a fire threatens your home.

A wildfire has been reported in your area, but there is no immediate need to leave. Residents should begin preparing in case conditions change. Residents are encouraged to:

Create defensible space around homes by removing combustible vegetation.

Make sure house numbers are clearly visible.

Review evacuation routes from the area.

Sign up for local emergency alerts.

Develop a family emergency plan.

Level 2 – SET

Be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

A fire is approaching and there is a high probability an evacuation will become necessary.

Residents should:

Pack a “go kit” with medications, clothing, important documents, valuables and emergency supplies.

Prepare pets and livestock for transport.

Load vehicles and know multiple evacuation routes.

• Stay informed through official emergency updates.

• Be ready to leave immediately if a GO order is issued.

Emergency officials recommend remembering the 6 Ps:

People

Pets

Prescriptions

Papers

Personal items

Photographs

Level 3 – GO

Leave immediately.

A GO notice is an evacuation order.

Residents should:

Leave immediately using designated evacuation routes.

Take only essential items already prepared.

Follow directions from emergency personnel.

Do not delay to gather additional belongings.

Roadblocks may be established, and re-entry will not be allowed until officials determine it is safe.

Where to find updates

During active wildfires, Weston County Emergency Management is the primary source for evacuation notices and emergency updates. Because firefighters are focused on suppression efforts, the Weston County Fire Protection District asks residents to rely on the Emergency Management Facebook page for the most current evacuation information.

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