Casper, Wyoming – Wildfire risk is at its highest this week as the National Weather Service keeps a Red Flag Warning in effect for central and southwest Wyoming—including Natrona, Fremont, Sweetwater, and Uinta counties—through 8 p.m. Tuesday. Intense afternoon winds, scorching temperatures, and single-digit humidity levels are setting the stage for extreme fire behavior and rapid wildfire spread.
According to the National Weather Service in Riverton, gusty southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph—with peaks up to 35 mph—will whip through fire-prone zones like the Upper Green River Basin, Granite/Green Mountains, and the Casper BLM region. Humidity could drop as low as 10 percent in places like Natrona County and the Wind River Basin, making outdoor burning or use of equipment especially hazardous.
Travelers on I-25 near Casper and I-80 through Sweetwater and Uinta counties should remain alert for sudden fire starts and reduced visibility from blowing smoke. Local emergency management urges residents to avoid any outdoor ignition sources, secure trailer chains, and have evacuation plans ready. Power outages or road closures are possible if fires ignite in dry brush.
This is the second Red Flag Warning in a week—conditions mirror those of the historic 2020 fire season. Residents should charge devices, prepare go-bags, and monitor alerts from the NWS and local agencies.
The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 p.m. Tuesday, with more advisories possible if hot, dry, and windy conditions persist.
