Dry hot winds caused two large fires burning in the state to grow over the weekend. The Ryan Fire on the Colorado-Wyoming border is now over 19,000 acres and 30 percent contained. No homes have been lost there. A little rain fell on it Sunday and Monday, but temperatures are expected to remain high through the week. Archery hunters should check with the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest about closures.
Meanwhile, almost 500 people have been evacuated from their homes around the 75-square-mile Roosevelt Fire between Pinedale and Jackson in northwest Wyoming. Fire Information Officer Louis Haynes said the fire has already consumed buildings.
“You know, as of yesterday, we had four structures that were confirmed lost and that was two residences, two outbuildings,” said Haynes. “But I can tell you yesterday we did lose structures and I haven’t seen any reports about what we’ve lost yet.”
Haynes said, the fire hasn’t breached Highway 191, but it’s vey close by.
“We could close 191 again,” said Haynes. “We’re going to try to keep that open with pilot cars as long as possible.”
Highway 191 is a popular route for travelers headed to the national parks. Haynes said travelers should check with the Wyoming Department of Transportation for updates.
Public information meetings are scheduled at the Bondurant School at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and at the Daniel school at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
