Lightning starts 2 fires southeast of Ten Sleep

LWORLAND (WNE) — Lightning started two fires southeast of Ten Sleep Saturday, with one burning more than 4,000 acres with 0% containment as of Tuesday night. 

The Vees fire was listed at 4,500 acres according to the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center Tuesday night. 

The Vees Fire was reported on Saturday, July 26, 45 miles south of Worland, and about 12 miles southeast of Ten Sleep in Washakie County. The fire is burning on a combination of Bureau of Land Management and private lands. Full-suppression efforts are underway. 

Crews are working in steep and rugged terrain and difficult-to-access canyon areas. The fire is moving through fast-burning fuels as well as dead and downed materials. There are 135 personnel listed assigned to the Vees Fire, and efforts include ground crews as well as air attack and dozer operations. 

According to the Rocky Mountain Area Coordination Center, no structures have been lost but there are 11 structures in the area. 

The other fire, the Tower 2 Fire, was also lightning caused; it was considered 75% contained as of Tuesday night and had burned 221.2 acres. It is 5 miles southeast of Ten Sleep and 30 miles east of Worland.  There is one helicopter and four engines assigned to the fire, along with 61 personnel, as of Monday night. 

This story was published on July 31, 2025.