GOSHEN COUNTY – As Torrington, Yoder and Veteran Fire Departments continue to make progress, as well as monitor both the East Rock Mount Fire (ERMF) and Pine Ridge Fire (PRF) that began last week on July 25, updates on the progression have been made in accordance with the Wyoming Type III Incident Management Team (WTIMT).

It is strongly believed at this time that both fires were caused due to lightning strikes at the time.

As of Saturday, the ERMF continued to burn eight and a half miles to the northeast of Hartville, just off County Road 9, while the PRF continued to burn just six miles northwest of Lingle off Highway 85.

According to the WTIMT, the ERMF was burning at 60 acres, while the PRF burned at 563 acres. The fire crews deployed to both fires made considerate progress with containment, with the PRF at 70% containment, and the ERMF at 30%, in which Saturday would be the final day with a heavy personnel presence. Starting Sunday the fire would be on patrol status with reduced sources.

Both fires were managed under a full suppression strategy by fire crews, which ensured that all actions reflected a commitment to onsite safety as well as the safety of the public. On Saturday, there were roughly 100 fire personnel actively working on both situations, with two hand crews, nine engines, one water tender, one Type 2 bulldozer and one ambulance in assistance.

According to the WTIMT, the crews stationed at the ERF fire will continue their efforts to increase the containment as well as to address certain hotspots and areas with active fuels within the fire, along with support from hose lays and engines.

All fire crews would like to remind the public that flying drones in the area with ongoing fires are hazardous to both pilots and ground crews on duty, and would kindly ask that residents refrain from doing so at this time.

The WTIMT would also like to point out that donations at this time are not needed, as firefighters currently have everything required at this time. Residents are encouraged however to make donations to their local fire departments if they so wish.