Containment rises to 46% for Moonshine Fire in Laramie Range
LARAMIE (WNE) — Thanks to cooler temperatures and rain and additional resources becoming available, progress was made in containing the Moonshine Fire in the Laramie Range southwest of Wheatland.
The wildfire, located in timber and difficult terrain, was burning 7,170 acres as of 9 a.m. Monday, with containment increasing to 46% and total firefighting personnel rising to 333.
The Wyoming Type III Incident Management Team updated the communities in the area Sunday about fire conditions and containment efforts.
“This is the most successful large fire (response) that we’ve ever had in Platte County,” Platte County Commissioner Steve Shockley said in a release.
Gov. Mark Gordon attended Sunday’s meeting to show his support and thank the many crews fighting the Moonshine Fire while highlighting recovery resources available for impacted residents.
The operational update in the Monday morning release included that crews with the Wyoming Type 3 team continued making steady progress Sunday by securing control lines around the fire, moving containment up to 46%.
However, despite the recent much-needed precipitation, fire danger in the area remained elevated Monday, with a Red Flag Warning still in effect for the Moonshine Fire area until 8 p.m., as dry conditions, low humidity and strong winds were expected to move in prior to a stronger overnight weather front expected to bring more precipitation.
On Monday, crews focused on scouting contingency lines along northern portions of the Laramie River and reinforcing control lines on the eastern perimeter. With strong winds and decreasing humidity in the forecast, crews will exercise extreme caution on the line as steep and rugged terrain hinders efforts.
The lightning-caused Moonshine Fire began on Sept. 7 in Albany County.
The Albany County Emergency Management Agency issued an evacuation order Friday afternoon in the Bookout Ranch area for people to leave immediately as the fire was backing to the north. All other fire zones were set at “Ready” to be prepared. Additional updates about the evacuation orders had not been provided as of Monday morning.
This story was published on Sept. 15, 2026.
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