Fire Battle Continues In Converse County

The Russels Camp fire in Converse County continues to grow. The latest information from fire officials say the blaze is growing to the north and east, and currently involves nearly 2,600 acres on the Medicine Bow National Forest, along with state and private lands.

The fire was reported Sunday about 32 miles south of Glenrock. The fire has burned north over Buffalo Peak, south of Squaw Mountain and west to East Box Elder Creek.

A variety of aircraft has been brought in to help about 300 firefighters on the ground, who are dealing with very rugged terrain. Homes and cabins along Converse County Road 24, known as Cold Springs Road, are threatened by the fire.

Weather forecasts indicate the area will see temperatures well into the nineties this weekend, along with strong winds and low relative humidity, increasing the chances the fire will spread, or new wildfires will break out.

A meeting has been scheduled for Friday night with fire managers and Incident Commander Todd Pechota.  Officials will provide updates to the public regarding the ongoing operations, and answer questions about the fire.

That meeting is slated for 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Friday in the Converse County Courthouse Community room.

Fire restrictions were put into place in Natrona County this week, because of the high fire dangers.