A wildfire was that reported Monday afternoon on the Medicine Bow National Forest about 30 miles southwest of Laramie has grown to 300 acres. The U.S. Forest Service says the Owen Fire is burning in timber near Lake Owen in southern Albany County.
Campers and recreationists have been evacuated from the popular area by the Albany County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Forest Service.
Residents in the communities of Woods Landing, Jelm and Fox Park, as well as those along Fox Creek Road have been advised by the Sheriff’s Department to shelter in place until given further notice.
A local Type III Incident Management Team will assume management of the fire on Tuesday morning. Current fire management actions include assessment, structure protection and assisting the Sheriff’s Department with safely evacuating residents and the public.
Over 50 personnel are currently assigned to the fire, including multiple engines, water tenders as well as ground and air resources. Additional ground and air support resources have been ordered.
Weather forecasts in the area are calling for warm conditions in the low 70s on Tuesday with spotty thunderstorms possible.
Firefighter and public safety will remain a high priority throughout the incident. There is currently no estimate on containment for the fire.
The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.
