Governor Gordon Discusses Wyoming Wildfires, Recovery Efforts

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon called into the ''Wake Up Wyoming' program on Friday to discuss Wyoming's wildfires.

Gordon told host Glenn Woods that he is glad to hear that Togwotee Pass, which reopened to traffic at 8 a.m. on Friday, is open. ''That fire is still burning hot.' Gordon told Woods. ''I had a chance to go  over it the other night, and you could see it burning just in a massive area.''

Governor Comments On House Draw Fire

Woods asked the governor about his ranch, which is located in an area near Buffalo not far from another fire. Gordon said that although his property missed the blaze, a neighbor who ''I used to rodeo with" had about 96 percent of their property burned. although firefighters were able to save their house. But they still suffered heavy damage from the blaze, including the loss of tools, fenceposts and a shop on the property. "It's just devestating what has happened there in that House Draw Fire."

The governor says the death toll the fires have taken on wildlife and livesstock is sporadic. ''The wildlife and livestock survive in some odd places.'' But he says in other places fast moving flames have taken a heavy toll. He also says towards the southern  end of the House Draw fire, numerous sheep have been killed.

The governor says damage estimates are in the millions of dollars for the House Draw Fire, not including damage from the other blazes burning in Wyoming.

The governor says crews are already at work repairing destroyed fencing, and WYDOT crews are also at work in fire-damaged areas

You can hear the entire ''Wake Up Wyoming'' interview with Governor Gordon in the below audio file.