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Human-caused Cow Camp Fire burns nearly 300 acres

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Via the Wyoming News Exchange

WORLAND (WNE) — Five days after a fire near the Washakie and Johnson county borders started, authorities listed it at 56% contained with just under 300 acres burned.

The Cow Camp Fire is located southeast of Ten Sleep in Washakie County, near the Johnson County line, and is burning in grass, sagebrush, juniper and timber. Several structures are threatened, and landowners have been contacted. 

Washakie County Emergency Management Coordinator Kami Neighbors said the fire is about 99% on private land and 1% on public land. 

The structures that have been threatened include one primary ranch complex with year-round operations, along with several other structures that are primarily second homes or seasonal cabins, she said.

The fire has been deemed human-caused and is under investigation. 

It started on Sept. 3, and a Type 3 Management Team was called in and took command of the fire on Friday, Sept. 4. As of Monday there were 129 personnel on the fire and on Tuesday personnel was downsized to 107.

Fire activity Monday, with near-critical fire weather conditions expected, remained modest, according to a release from Washakie Coun- ty Emergency Management on Tuesday morning.

Firefighters continue to mop up and cut snag trees to strengthen firelines and improve firefighter safety. 

Aviation resources continued to cool hot spots with water drops as needed.

Firefighters will continue working to keep the fire north of Otter Creek Vee Road, west of Hazelton Road, and out of Johnson County.

This story was published on Sept. 10, 2026. 

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