Cold Springs Fire consumes 2,000 acres as community rallies to help

DOUGLAS (WNE) —  An inferno engulfed the plains of Converse County just 17 miles southwest of Douglas as the Cold Springs fire swept through the area, and county residents rallied to provide rural firefighters with water and food as they worked to contain the blaze.

Firefighters on the ground said the official 1,800-acre size is probably too small given the rugged landscape and mountainous terrain, but they didn’t have a firm number for their estimate.

The National Interagency Fire Center said the fire ate up 1,800 acres of mostly grassland but firefighters on the ground estimated it was closer to 3,000-4,000 acres.

Volunteer firefighter Aaron Clausen suspected it could easily have expanded to a 20,000 acre fire but firefighters stopped it 500 yards shy from a heavily timbered area.

Incident commander Travis Wills said the fire was 99% grass and brush and a couple trees in the mix; no structures were involved and there were no injuries.

“The end of this fire season will come when the snow flies,” Wills said. “Everyone needs to be cautious.”

Though 80% of the fires have been caused by lighting and 20% were man-made, Wills said, people need to be sure to check trailer chains and try to avoid parking in tall grass to help minimize chances.

On top of the large fires throughout eastern and northern Wyoming, there are still dozens of fires burning and about two new fires a day are being fought. It’s not close to being over, he said.

“Everyone is doing a really great job this year,” Wills said. “It takes a community to help.”

This story was published on August 7, 2024.