GILLETTE, WYO. – Firefighters in Campbell County responded to two structure fires in Gillette in less than 24 hours, leaving four people displaced and one person injured.
The latest fire happened Monday morning on Santee Drive, where firefighters arrived to find flames and smoke coming from the back of a home. Crews quickly contained the fire, and no injuries were reported. Two residents were displaced and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross. Firefighters also rescued two cats from the home. The cause remains under investigation.
The fire followed another blaze Sunday morning at an apartment building on Constitution Drive. Firefighters found heavy smoke coming from a third-floor balcony and were able to contain the fire to a single unit. Two residents were displaced, one person was injured, and two cats were rescued.
Preliminary information indicates the apartment fire may have started because of improperly discarded batteries on the balcony. Fire officials are reminding residents to properly store and dispose of lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries to reduce fire risks.
The incidents come as Campbell County remains under a Red Flag Warning, with dry conditions, low humidity, and gusty winds increasing the risk of fire spread.
