Laramie Fire Contained Early This Morning, Cause Is Being Investigated

A fire evacuation order for part of the Laramie area was lifted early Tuesday morning by the Albany County Emergency Management Agency.

A fire which broke out near Mile Marker 310 on Interstate 80 westbound was contained early this morning [November 11], with no injuries reported, according to an official with the Laramie Fire Department.

Shift Commander Gus Stonum says the fire was reported around 4:45 p.m. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they found about a quarter of an acre on fire, with six to eight foot flame lengths. The fire was being driven by 5-10 mile per hour winds out of the west.

As a safety precaution, all buildings west of the fire on Banner Road and Carol Road were evacuated. Power was also shut off to most of west Laramie. The power was mostly restored by 11:10 p.m. and the evacuation order was lifted at 12:25 a.m.

The fire grew to 56 acres before bring brought to full containment.

According to the Laramie Fire Department crews are still on the scene today, and were monitoring a large haystack that continued to smolder as of this morning. people continue to see smoke from the haystack through the day today.

The Fire Department news release thank a long list of agencies for helping deal with the fire:including the Wyoming Highway Patrol, Albany County Sheriff’s Office, and Laramie Police Department, all evacuations were completed safely and efficiently. The Albany County Emergency Management Agency (EMA) established a shelter for evacuees and provided timely information to the public as updates became available.

This incident required a strong multi-agency firefighting response. Assisting agencies included the City of Laramie Fire Department, Albany County Fire District #1, and its volunteer stations from Central, Centennial, Big Laramie, WYCO, Tie Siding, and Vedauwoo. Albany County Road & Bridge provided invaluable support with three motor graders to help establish firelines and to assist Rocky Mountain Power crews in accessing difficult, wet terrain. Their efforts ensured powerline vehicles could safely reach critical areas and be extricated when necessary.