LARAMIE, Wyo. (AP)
A U.S. Forest Service spokesman says a wildfire in southern Wyoming that has blackened more than 33 square miles was likely human-caused, but investigators are still trying to determine an exact cause.
Spokesman Aaron Voos tells The Laramie Boomerang the length of the investigation depends on the fire, and the Forest Service is getting help with other agencies.
The Badger Creek Fire was reported June 10 and has burned in mostly beetle-killed forest. It’s 90 percent contained and is expected to be fully contained by Sunday.
Special teams cut down hazardous trees over the weekend, allowing firefighters to safely work in uncontained areas. Some areas flared up, but containment lines were not threatened.
Meanwhile a grass fire in northern Wyoming has consumed more than 56 square miles and closed a section of one state highway.
There are ranch homes in the area, but officials say no structures have been burned.
The fire is burning on mostly open Bureau of Land Management land in Washakie and Big Horn counties. It began Sunday night northeast of Worland with lightning strikes that ignited two fires that merged together.
The fire has spread rapidly in the parched sage and grass, but officials say it is 30 percent contained.
A 15-mile section of Wyoming 31 between Manderson and Hyattville in Big Horn County was closed Tuesday because of the fire.
Over 120 firefighters aided by air tankers and helicopters are battling the fire.
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