Fire forces closure of Guernsey State Park; Cow Camp Fire near 8,500 acres

Fire at Guernsey State Park, reported on Saturday at about 4:30 p.m. Approximately 350-500 acres. Gary Hobbs, (Photo Courtesy: Wyoming State Forestry Division)

Officials have closed and evacuated all visitors at Guernsey State Park due to a wildfire.

The Wyoming State Forestry Division reports the fire started around 4:30 p.m. Saturday, and the cause is unknown.

The division reported the fire is estimated at between 350 and 500 acres, and air and ground support are on the scene.

Wyoming Department of Transportation officials have announced the closure of Highway 26 from Guernsey to the junction of Wyoming Highway 320, near I-25.

Structures, campgrounds, RVs and power lines are being threatened by the fire. Officials have set up a shelter has been set up at the Wheatland 4-H Building for those evacuated.

The closure comes just days after both Guernsey and Glendo state parks re-instituted fire bans at both locations.

The ban included all wood fires, even in state park provided fire rings. Propane and charcoal grills with lids were permitted at both parks. The ban began Wednesday, and officials said it would be in place until further notice.

Elsewhere, the Cow Camp Fire near Medicine Bow National Forest has scorched nearly 8,500 acres, and continues to threaten structures, rangeland, and timber.

Officials said the fire is "very active" and spreading south towards private land, and is only 10 percent contained. One remote cabin has already been destroyed.

The forestry service said a youth camp and a few residents have voluntarily evacuated, but there are no mandatory evacuations. There are multiple road closures in the area.

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