Fire

For the time being, people should avoid the area to allow emergency responders room to work.

All campfires must be cold to the touch before abandoning.

Additional firefighting resources have been ordered and a Type 3 incident management team will assume command of the blaze going forward.

The cause of the fire, which is burning in rocky, rugged terrain, remains under investigation.

The warning is in effect from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Strong winds were fanning the flames as fire crews responded.

Critical fire weather results from a combination of high temperatures, low humidities and strong, gusty winds.

WYDOT did not have an estimated time for the highway to reopen.

Many Torrington residents who heard the large explosion took to social media in an effort to determine the source Wednesday night.

Burn permits in Natrona County have been suspended.

Private contractors were repairing the fire lines Tuesday.

That mix of conditions will be conducive to new fire starts and extreme fire behavior, according to the National Weather Service in Riverton.