More Evacuations As Wyoming Wildfires Grow

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Wildfires are continuing to spread around Wyoming, forcing hundreds to evacuate and burning several structures.

The Arapaho Fire burning near Laramie Peak southwest of Wheatland is nearly 88,000 acres. Fire spokesman Jim Whittington says it’s classified as 10-percent contained. He says an undetermined number of structures have burned.

State Forester Bill Crapser says the Oil Creek Fire, burning northwest of Newcastle in Weston County, blew up from 6,000 acres to about 20,000 acres overnight. He says it forced the evacuation of more than 400 people, including residents of the town of Osage.

The Squirrel Creek Fire has burned more than 7,000 acres west of Laramie, forcing hundreds to evacuate.

The Fontenelle Fire has burned nearly 56,000 acres about 17 miles west of Big Piney, in western Wyoming.