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Red Cross providing aid to people impacted by Sugarloaf Fire in Wyoming

Air attack on the Sugarloaf Fire on Monday. (Photo credit: Scott McDermid, USFS)

CASPER, Wyo. — The Red Cross of Wyoming opened an overnight shelter in Rock River on Monday to assist people impacted by the Sugarloaf Fire near Laramie Peak.

While the shelter was closed on Tuesday morning, volunteers are standing by in case the need for assistance arises again, the Red Cross of Wyoming said on Tuesday.

“Currently, we are assisting those impacted on an individual basis,” the press release said. “Red Cross assistance can provide care, comfort, mental health and health services, disaster supplies, lodging and assistance for other immediate needs. Further assistance will be provided as needed.”

“If you have questions, please contact Catie Ballenger, Regional Communications Director for American Red Cross of Colorado and Wyoming: (970) 261-6282Caitlin.Ballenger@redcross.org.”

The Sugarloaf Fire was initially reported on Monday afternoon, burning in the Medicine Bow National Forest. The fire had grown to 500 acres by 9 p.m. Monday and prompted evacuations, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The fire is burning in timber in rocky, inaccessible terrain about seven miles southwest of Laramie Peak and five miles southwest of Friend Park Campground. Evacuations went into effect Monday evening for parts of Laramie County.

Initial attack included single-engine air tankers, heavy tankers, and helicopter drops. Additional crews and helicopters are expected to arrive Tuesday. A Type III Federal Complex Incident Command Team has been ordered and will assume command Wednesday morning.

Fire managers now believe the fire was likely human-caused and started near the end of Forest Road 637 and the Cow Creek Trailhead. Anyone with information can call the Forest Service Law Enforcement Tip Line, 303-275-5266

  • Evacuations:
    • Fetterman to Garrett Ranch
  • Under pre-evacuation:
    • Bear Creek Road between the Garrett intersection 
    • Friend Park

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