Terek Fire: 14,000 acres and growing
UPDATE: Big Horn County Sheriff reporting fire at 47,000 acres. Highway 31 closed.
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Karla Pomeroy
WORLAND – Lightning struck twice, thunder boomed and the Terek Fire, located in the Bonanza Oil Field area was born around 10:30 p.m. Sunday evening keeping firefighters from Washakie and Big Horn County, BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and Forest Service hopping.
According to BLM public affairs specialist Cindy Wertz, the fire was originally two smaller fires that burned together. The fire is located northeast of Worland, north of U.S. Highway 16 and south of Wyoming Highway 31 mostly on BLM land.
"The fire burned actively Sunday night into Monday morning. Initial attack resources responded immediately and were later aided by aircraft. Four single engine air tankers, two heavy air tankers, three helicopters and two lead planes are currently working the fire. It is now approximately 10,000-14,000 acres and is burning in sage and grass," Wertz said.
"Hot temperatures and low relative humidity are driving fire activity and these weather conditions are expected to persist in the coming days. State, county and federal firefighters are working hard to check the growth of the fire. However, dry fuels and hot temperatures remain a challenge," Wertz added.
The BLM is also reminding people the fire area is a no fly zone and residents need to refrain from flying drones in the area as aerial operations are ongoing and the airspace is needed to fight the fire.
