Whit Fire grows to nearly 10,000 acres

CODY — After a day of very active burning yesterday, an infrared flight overnight Wednesday night showed the Whit Fire at 9,647 acres.

This fire is burning on both the north and south side of Sheep Mountain approximately 15 miles west of Cody. The cause of the Whit Fire, which started Tuesday, Aug. 2, is currently under investigation.

A public meeting was slated for Thursday night at Livingston Elementary School. During this meeting, the Central West Zone Type 3 Incident Management Team will share current information as well as planned future actions for the Whit Fire.

Suppression efforts are being aided by five type 1 helicopters, two Type 3 helicopters, 3 air attack planes, 18 engines, and three hand crews to include the Wyoming Interagency Hotshots and the Payson Interagency Hotshots. There are approximately 175 people currently assigned to this fire.

To assist firefighting efforts, the Park County Sheriff Department and Park County Office of Homeland Security have evacuated the following areas: Whit Creek Rd., Big Hat Ranch, Golden Key Ranch, Simek Ranch, and County Road 6NS to include Bear Creek Subdivision. These evacuations remain in place.

Also, Shoshone National Forest has closed two trails: Green Creek Trail and Twin Creek Trail.

BLM Cody Field Office has closed Sheep Mountain Trail.

Cooperators in management of the fire include the BLM Cody Field Office, Shoshone National Forest, Park County, and the Wyoming State Forestry Division.