UPDATE 11:30 a.m.: Additional fires are burning in the Bighorn National Forest, the forest service said in a press release Thursday. Johnson County firefighters spotted several potential new fires in the Story area Wednesday evening that were apparently caused by lightning. 

Fire crews are flying reconnaissance in an attempt to locate the new fires. 

No fire restrictions are currently in place, but the public is strongly advised to put their campfires out and make sure they are cold to the touch before leaving them. 


Two firefighters were sent to the hospital and released while battling a fire in the Bighorn National Forest Wednesday.

The Lick Creek Fire is at 0% containment, but it also hasn't grown, a Bighorn National Forest spokeswoman said Thursday.

Bighorn National Forest Public Information Officer Sara Evans Kirol said one firefighter suffered a heat-related illness and the other suffered an eye injury. Both firefighters were taken to a hospital and released.

Approximately 15 firefighters are currently battling the Lick Creek Fire with 10 more expected to arrive today. It is currently listed at four acres and is burning in heavy, dry timber, Kirol said. No structures are threatened and crews will work through the day to contain the fire, which is burning in rugged terrain.

The fire is located one mile down Forest Trail 76, which is accessed by Forest Road 147 off of the Dayton Gulch Road.

The fire was discovered late Tuesday.

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