Black Willow Fire

Last Thursday, a fire on BLM land in the Black Willow area, near East River Road, was contained to roughly 35 to 38 acres. The fire started in rough terrain after a lightning storm hit Hot Springs County the night before. Eight government engines stayed on scene for around three days. Thermopolis Volunteer Fire Department responded with four engines and a water tender truck responded and were on scene for around 10 hours. Onae type one helicopter, pictured above, and three Single Engine Airtankers (SEAT) were also brought in to help with fire fighting efforts. A Very Large Airtanker (VLAT) was on stand by, had the fire gotten out of control.