Smoke from June Fire visible around the Big Horn Basin

CODY — The June Fire spread quickly Wednesday due to gusting winds, hot dry conditions, and low fuel moistures in dense beetle-killed tree stands.

The fire started approximately 1.5 miles south of US Highway 14/16/20 on Tuesday, July 18, and has now spread throughout the June Creek drainage.

Fire managers were unable to assess the fire size due to heavy smoke Wednesday afternoon. The size is currently estimated at 2,000 acres.

The cause is still under investigation.

Firefighting resources battling the blaze Wednesday included two heavy (Type 1) helicopters, one light helicopter, two single engine air tankers, two fire engines, and approximately 100 personnel. Additional resources have been ordered and were scheduled to arrive Thursday. Due to the increased complexity of the fire, an Incident Management Team assumed management of the fire Thursday.

Although the June Fire is under full suppression, firefighter and public safety are the No. 1 priority.

Visitors on the North Fork Highway are asked to use caution while traveling through the area and be alert for firefighting equipment.

The Elk Fork Trail is closed as a safety precaution.

DRONES

According to the update from Shoshone National Forest, the public is reminded that flying drones over a wildfire is dangerous to firefighters and illegal.

Drones interrupt airborne firefighting resources that support firefighters on the ground, often forcing firefighting operations to shut down. A drone interrupted firefighting efforts on Wednesday.

Please use drones responsibly.