Wildfires caused Devils Tower to close over the weekend

GILLETTE (WNE) — The Devils Tower National Monument was closed last weekend due to a nearby wildfire.

At 10:40 a.m. Saturday, the Left Creek Fire was reported about 1 mile from Devils Tower. Given the proximity of the fire and its path toward the monument, the park ordered an immediate evacuation for visitors’ and employees’ safety at approximately 11:30 a.m., according to a press release from Devils Tower.

The fire grew to 225 acres by Saturday evening, and more than 150 firefighters, along with four large air tankers, four helicopters and two single engine air tankers were fighting the fire.

By Sunday morning, the fire had burned 282 acres. As of Sunday afternoon, it was 25% contained. The park remained closed. 

That afternoon, a second fire, the Newton Fire, started on the east side of Highway 24, about 2½  miles southeast of Devils Tower. It has burned at least 250 acres and is being fought from the ground and air.

Devils Tower reopened Monday morning, but all trails and backcountry resources will remain closed for visitor safety until further notice.

The Campbell County Fire Department also was busy over the weekend, fighting the Short Creek Fire near Heald Road. Firefighters responded Friday afternoon and worked through the night. It burned more than 200 acres, and it was 100% contained by Sunday afternoon.

This story was published on August 3, 2026. 

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