FORT LARAMIE – It was a busy week for area firefighters as they battled a grass fire on Monday afternoon near Fort Laramie which continued to burn until Wednesday morning.

“Fire Crews worked all night (Tuesday) again and were able to gain 100% containment.  Acreage burned stands at 1,290 acres.  During the initial attack, fire Departments from Fort Laramie, Lingle, Torrington, Prairie Center, Jay Em, Veteran, Yoder, Hawk Springs, and LaGrange along with Platte County mutual aid departments Guernsey fire and Hartville fire, several airborne tankers all worked together to defend several homes while slowing the fires growth,” Thom Bozeman, Goshen County Emergency Management Coordinator/Fire Warden, released in an email on Wednesday morning.  “During the second operational period, crews were able to stop the fire’s growth to the north at which point, operations moved into surround and contain.  State Forestry, Bureau of Land Management, and the Smokebusters assisted with additional resources, and together, the fire was surrounded and is now 100% contained,” Bozeman continued.

As thunderstorms passed through the area Monday afternoon, dry, windy, and hot conditions increased the fire danger and according to the Fort Laramie fire crew, personnel worked tirelessly to protect every structure possible.

“We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our amazing businesses and community members. There are no words to express just how grateful we are. We are overwhelmed with the support shown throughout the Pine Ridge Fire. We are extremely proud to be a part of this community and serve you all,” the Fort Laramie Fire Department said. “We want to thank the Fort Laramie Bar and Grill for the multiple donations of lunch and dinner as well as water and ice, Fort Laramie Country Church for the breakfast burritos, the Saul family with Ty’s Pit Stop, Guernsey Marketplace for the chips, Domino’s for the pizza the first night as well as all the businesses and community members that donated items and time to the cause.”

The department continued to thank the mutual aid departments who also assisted during the fire.

“We also want to thank Lingle Fire Department, Torrington Fire Department, Prairie Center Fire Department, Jay Em Fire Department, Veteran Fire Department, Yoder Fire Department, Hawk Springs Fire Department, LaGrange Fire Department, Guernsey Fire Department, Hartville Fire Department, State Forestry, BLM, Smokebusters and airborne tankers that came in to support and assist as well as the Smokebusters and the aircraft. We could not have done this without you. We are also happy to say that the fire is now 100% contained,” Fort Laramie fire said. “Again, thank you so much.”

The outpouring of community support is truly humbling to many of the Fort Laramie department members.

“I think the biggest thing here is how amazing our community is. The donations and people asking how they can help doesn’t happen everywhere. Going forward, if people want pizza, give Domino’s a call. If they need gas and on-the-road snacks, hit up Ty’s Pit stop in Lingle. Want a burger and a cold beer? Fort Laramie Bar and Grill is your place. Need to renew your relationship with God? Give the Fort Laramie Country Church a try. And if you’re looking for camaraderie? Looking for an organization of brothers and sisters who will have your back when times get tough? Join your local fire department,” Kelly Loveland, Fort Laramie Emergency Medical Services Captain said. “These men and women left their jobs, their families, their commitments at the drop of the tones to come help us, no questions asked. That’s what it’s about. You won’t find better people than members of all of these local fire departments.”