The Squirrel Creek Fire burning in the Medicine Bow National Forest is now 51 percent contained. Fire officials says light rain occurred over the fire area last night and crews were able to take advantage of cooler and moister conditions. They continued construction of fire line on the south-west perimeter. Construction of fire line will continue today, with bulldozers and hand crews. Both helicopters and air tankers will support these efforts as necessary.

Wet thunder storms are expected to increase today in the fire area and continue through the weekend. The moisture from thunder storms may benefit the fire fighting effort. However, erratic winds associated with thunder cells continue to pose a concern as strong down-drafts have the potential to move the fire in many directions. This has potential to cause drought, bug-kill and fire-weakened trees to fall.

As containment on the Squirrel Creek fire increase, the fire resources are starting to be released in order to be available to support other large fires throughout the country.

An evacuation center is located at the Albany County Fairgrounds. For evacuation and road closure information please visit the Albany County, Wyoming website: http://www.co.albany.wy.us/ Call 1-888-425-7138 for Road Closure information only. For Livestock Evacuations contact Dale Bratton at the Wyoming Livestock Board (307) 777-6437.

More From 101.9 KING-FM