Worland’s Neiber Fire 95% Contained

The Neiber Fire nears total containment.

As of last Saturday, the 17,545 acre fire that started July 14^th 7 miles south of Worland was at 95% containment, with the only uncontained section burning in rugged terrain along the Mule Creek drainage. This area is now receiving the bulk of the resources and suppression efforts, as the 125 personnel on the scene continue repairing hand and dozer lines. Firefighting resources include two Type 2 initial attack handcrews, fourteen fire engines with crews, one bulldozer, and two watertenders. Air resources were released on Friday evening. Other resources will be demobilized as containment gets that much closer to 100%.

The weather this weekend cooled slightly, giving an extra edge to the now entirely ground-based efforts at fire suppression. But conditions throughout the Bighorn Basin and much of Wyoming remain hot and dry. Not unusual for this time of year. Nor is the much higher chance of fire. Elevated fire danger is predicted for most of the state. To ensure public and firefighter safety, individuals should continue to exercise caution along Neiber Road and Nowater Road south to the Murphy Dome Oil Field. In addition to ongoing suppression and repair efforts, fire traffic will be active in the area throughout the day.

The cause of the fire remains unknown; however the BLM is taking the opportunity to remind everyone of their duty and responsibility to prevent human-caused wildfires.