LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP) — A rancher who had cattle grazing near where the Squirrel Creek fire broke out hasn't been able to check on his animals.

J.T. Nunn told the Associated Press that he is the only rancher who had livestock there this summer. He has no idea how the cattle are faring. It's been too hot and dangerous to check on them so he just opened the gates to the area and hopes they will be able to find their way out.

Nunn said he's been in close contact with the U.S. Forest Service and urged officials not to set a back fire help control the fire for fear of trapping the cattle or wildlife. He said fire managers decided the burn wasn't necessary.

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