New Wyoming Wildfire Burns Roughly 2,000 Acres Near Yellowstone

A new wildfire reported Monday west of Cody burned roughly 2,000 acres in just a few hours.

Spread by erratic, gusting winds, the Fishhawk Fire began in the Fishhawk Creek drainage and had spread east into the Sheep Creek area by 7:40 p.m.

The cause of the blaze was unknown as of Monday night. It was initially estimated at 500 acres in size.

The fire is burning six miles south of Highway 14/16/20 and the North Fork of the Shoshone River, west of Cody and east of Yellowstone National Park.

Kristie Salzmann, public information officer for the Shoshone National Forest, told K2 Radio News that firefighters are still assessing the complexity of the blaze and determining the appropriate response. She said the blaze is located in a wilderness area.

One engine from the Shoshone National Forest as well as Park County fire resources have responded. Salzmann said additional ground and aerial firefighting resources have been ordered.

For public safety, authorities closed the Fishhawk Trail, Kitty Creek Trail and Blackwater Trail.

A public meeting will be held at Yellowstone Valley Inn, 3324 N. Fork Hwy, at 6 p.m. Tuesday.