firefighters

Towns like Pine Haven rely on a network of volunteer firefighters with limited resources to battle sometimes-deadly blazes. In Crook County, property tax cuts have slashed an account meant for new fire engines and equipment.

Wildfire and other emergency response personnel will continue working during the federal government shutdown that began this week, but advocates warn that those workers could still be impacted.

Earlier this year, the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer (NFR) went offline in the wake of massive layoffs at the Department of Health and Human Services. But since restarting in May, enrollment has surged by roughly 8,000.

In June, the Trump administration called for a consolidation of federal wildfire agencies “to achieve the most efficient and effective use of wildland fire offices.” Now federal leaders have released plans about how to carry out the order.

The federal government has issued new guidelines to wildland firefighters for the voluntary use of protective masks. The move comes as knowledge of long-term health risks faced by such workers – including cancer – grows.

In the wake of devastating Western wildfires, bills began cropping up in state legislatures — all striving to limit utility companies' liability for causing wildfires.

The emergency declaration allows the Wyoming National Guard and the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security to aid in response. Another fire south of Afton has grown substantially since it started Friday.

Wyoming’s Appropriations Committee held a hearing on wildfire management that focused on improving rapid response and supporting local fire crews. Experts also raised concerns about cheatgrass’s role in increasing wildfire risk. Officials emphasized the importance of adequate state resources and partnerships with federal and local agencies.

Wyoming’s lead forester told lawmakers that the state’s fire season has the potential to get worse, especially in the Teton area.

Evacuation orders are still in place for both Hot Springs and Fremont Counties as a result of the Red Canyon fire, which grew over 31,000 acres since Monday.