August 24, 2006
Contact: Rich Olsen, Team Leader 307-251-0567
Merle Glenn, PIO 970-210-1714

Smoke in Casper Causing Worries in Local Residents

Worried residents in the Casper area are calling the fire departments, fire management agencies and the fire prevention and education team this morning, inquiring about the smoke that is drifting over the valley.

Chief Clyde Young of the Natrona County Fire Protection District said he was getting a steady stream of calls wondering if there was a new fire because of the smoke. He assured everyone that no new wildfires are threatening Casper. Most of the smoke is from large fires in the west and a little residual smoke from small fires creeping within the contained area of the Jackson Canyon Fire.

There is a wildfire in Johnson County, 20 miles southwest of Kaycee in grass and timber that is visible from Casper and some smoke from that blaze is drifting into the Casper area. The smoky conditions could change as the wind changes. Cooler air is moving into the area and there is a slight chance of rain and thundershowers predicted for Casper on Thursday afternoon.

The Chief reminded people not to do any debris burning or start fires for other purposes when conditions are hot, dry and windy.

-BLM-