CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — The return of hot, dry and windy weather has firefighters preparing for the worst at a wildfire burning in the Medicine Bow National Forest.
Fire spokeswoman Susan Ford says fire crews Friday morning were preparing safety zones where firefighters can flee in case the fire makes a sudden run. In addition, backup fire lines are being constructed four or five miles from the fire to help stop any run.

The fire has burned more than 4 square miles and is only about 10 percent contained. Officials with the U.S. Forest Service say the Russels Camp fire has now consumed more than 3,000 acres. It involves not only portions of Medicine Bow National Forest, but state and private lands as well.

Ford says the north side of the fire has little containment because of the rugged terrain. Southwest winds gusting up to 45 mph are expected to hit the fire zone, driving the fire northeast into an area with old forest.

The Russels Camp fire is located about 32 miles south of Glenrock in Converse County. The fire has burned over Buffalo Peak, south of Squaw Mountain and west to East Box Elder Creek. It began Sunday, and the cause remains under investigation.

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