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Wyoming Fighting Major Fire Near Casper

High temperatures and severe storms have led to wildfires in the state of Wyoming this week that, according to officials, has the potential to spread more than it already has. State Governor Dave Freudenthal has declared a state of emergency for the area just south of the city of Casper, the fire has so far claimed 7,000 acres, which translates to about 11 square miles. Wyoming officials are worried about the potential for the fire to get out of hand, but are positive about steps being taken as a precaution.

Wyoming State Forester Bill Crasper on Tuesday said that "The weather report isn`t favorable for tomorrow." Temperatures were predicted in the 90s again Wednesday, and isolated thunderstorms were possible. The fire is about five miles south of Casper, Wyoming`s second-largest city, near the center of the state. But the good news is the fire is moving southeast, away from the city, toward scattered rural subdivisions.

Crasper estimated that 225 firefighters were fighting the fire, but that the numbers are expected to go up significantly, as more crews are being pulled from other fires elsewhere in America. "We`re still calling for resources all around the country. With the fire activity going on about the country, resources are hard to come by." Fires across the country caused by lightning strikes or high temperatures have taxed the fire agencies of several states.