Firefighters across northeast Wyoming spent the weekend battling several wildfires, including one that prompted temporary evacuations near Upton.
The largest concern Saturday was the Ponderosa Fire, located off U.S. Highway 16 southeast of Upton. The fire triggered evacuation notices for residents in the Ponderosa Court and Oliver Road areas during its early stages.
By Saturday night, the fire had grown to about 40 acres, although crews were reported to be gaining control of the blaze. Highway 16 between Upton and Newcastle was closed to provide firefighters access and room to work. By Sunday morning, evacuation notices had been lifted.
Two additional fires, known as the Upton One and Upton Two Fires, were discovered northwest of Upton along Highway 16 on Sunday. Together, those fires burned approximately four acres.
Meanwhile, in neighboring Crook County, the Long Draw Fire broke out west of Hulett on Sunday. Officials estimated the fire had grown to about 800 acres by Sunday evening.
Residents near the intersection of Lake Ranch Road and Barlow Canyon Road remained under a SET evacuation status, meaning they should be prepared to leave if conditions worsen.
Fire crews continue to monitor and battle the fires as dry conditions persist across the region.
