Evacuation Order Near Guernsey State Park Lifted
CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Residents who fled their homes near the wildfire at Guernsey State Park are being allowed to return to their homes. However, the park remains closed.
Thanks to ideal weather conditions and a heavy dose of water dumped from helicopters, firefighters have gained 80 percent containment of the fire. It was 20 percent contained on Monday.
The fire, which has burned about four square miles, started Saturday and forced the evacuation of hundreds of campers and park users. While one private vacation cabin was lost, firefighters were able to protect the park facilities.
About 50 residents in the area voluntarily evacuated their homes.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Meantime, Governor Matt Mead has responded to a request from the State of Colorado asking for the use of a Wyoming National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The aircraft and a team of four Wyoming National Guard troops will work to fight the High Park Fire in northern Colorado. The State of Colorado will pay the cost of activating the Black Hawk and the troops.
Three UH-60 Black Hawks were activated on Sunday to help fight the Guernsey State Park Fire in Platte County. That fire is nearly contained and the Black Hawks have been demobilized.
The agreement with Colorado lasts for 15 days.