2024 Wyoming wildfires


The 2024 Wyoming wildfire season was a series of wildfires that burned throughout the U.S. state of Wyoming during 2024.

Background

"Wildfire season" in Wyoming typically occurs between June and September, but wildfires can occur as early as April and late as December. Peak time of fire season is normally in July and August. Wildfires in Wyoming are triggered by a dry climate, drought, grasses die and dry out, and times when dry thunderstorms are more common. Humidity levels, dryness of fuel, wind, and temperature also play a crucial role. Forests that have not had wildfires in recent years have more fire fuel, and trees killed by disease and insect infestation quickly dry up and become a prime fuel for wildfires.

Summary

By late August 2024, Wyoming experienced one of its most severe wildfire seasons in decades, with over 810,000 acres burned—second only to the 1988 Yellowstone fires. Dry conditions, high winds, and abundant fuel contributed to rapid fire spread across grasslands, forests, and mountainous regions.
The largest and most destructive blaze was the Elk Fire in Sheridan County, which scorched approximately 98,352 acres in the Bighorn National Forest. The fire prompted evacuations and threatened critical infrastructure, including the Little Bighorn Canyon. Firefighting efforts were complicated by rugged terrain and challenging weather conditions.
Other significant fires included the Pack Trail Fire, which burned 89,930 acres across Teton and Fremont counties before merging with the Fish Creek Fire on October 5. The Short Draw Fire in Campbell County consumed 34,557 acres, and the La Bonte Fire in Converse County burned 3,506 acres.
The 2024 wildfire season placed a significant strain on Wyoming’s firefighting resources and finances. State Forester Kelly Norris described the season as “massive,” highlighting the challenges posed by extreme weather and extensive fuel loads.
State and federal agencies coordinated efforts to manage and suppress the fires, prioritizing protection of communities and critical infrastructure. The 2024 season underscored the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires in Wyoming and prompted discussions on long-term mitigation and resource allocation.

List of wildfires

The following is a list of fires that burned more than, or produced significant structural damage or casualties.
NameCountyAcresStart dateContainment dateNotesRef
352 I-80Laramie2,19324 2 202425 3 2024
Hwy 16Crook1,20025 2 2024
Happy JackLaramie6,5241 3 20243 7 2024Caused by human activity.
139Laramie2,0172 3 202426 3 2024Caused by human activity.
CreekCrook1,47011 6 202420 6 2024
Pine RidgeGoshen1,29024 6 202428 6 2024Caused by lightning.
Road 22Goshen5,57613 7 202415 7 2024
Oregon TrailNatrona1,54013 7 202422 7 2024
ClearwaterPark1,96619 7 2024DecemberLightning-caused.
BadgerSheridan7,97324 7 202429 8 2024
Beaver CreekCampbell1,08128 7 202431 8 2024Lightning-caused.
Blizzard HeightsConverse1,95728 7 202429 7 2024Lightning-caused.
Cold SpringsConverse1,84630 7 202424 9 2024
Deer CreekJohnson6,7003 8 20249 8 2024
Fish CreekTeton & Fremont25,44316 8 2024Caused by lightning. Merged with the Pack Trail Fire on October 5th.
ConstitutionCampbell24,63021 8 202414 9 2024
GeierWeston1,47421 8 202424 9 2024
BarberConverse1,41921 8 202424 9 2024
House DrawJohnson174,54721 8 202417 9 2024
Flat RockCampbell52,42121 8 202425 9 2024
Pleasant ValleyPlatte & Goshen28,98430 7 20247 8 2024
RemingtonSheridan196,36822 8 202421 9 2024Spread into Montana. Destroyed several structures, ranches, and killed livestock. Became largest wildfire of Montana's wildfire season. Injured one civilian.
Silver SpoonCampbell1,7211 9 20247 9 2024
West Warm SpringsHot Springs1,6109 9 202413 9 2024
Short DrawCampbell34,55711 9 202420 9 2024
Salt CreekNatrona1,52011 9 202411 9 2024
Bear CreekAlbany1,44412 9 202420 9 2024
La BonteConverse3,50612 9 202425 9 2024
Livingston DrawJohnson1,40017 9 202423 9 2024
ElkSheridan98,35227 9 202414.11.2024One firefighter injured.
Pack TrailTeton & Fremont89,93027 9 20247 11 2024Merged with the Fish Creek Fire on October 5th.
DiamondPlatte2,16822.10.202423.10.2024