Information Sessions Help Prepare for Wildfires

Heavy fuel loads and dry conditions in the Big Horn Basin have prompted two sessions that are intended to help rural homeowners prepare for wildfire.
The sessions are 6 p.m. Friday, July 28, at the Ten Sleep Community Center, and 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 2, at the Washakie County Fairgrounds in Worland.
University of Wyoming Extension educator Caitlin Youngquist is collaborating with Karen Fenton of the Washakie County Conservation District to help landowners develop evacuation plans for livestock and pets and provide information to create defensible space.
Youngquist points out that fuel loads are very high, and there have already been four rapidly moving fires in Washakie County. The fires, one started by a chain dragging on a highway, burned over 3,500 acres.
She says that these workshops will provide residents with information on steps to help defend their property against wildfire and creating evacuation plans for not only family members, but also pets and livestock.