Fire crews battle blaze near Manderson amid growing danger

Manderson Fire Department was called to respond to a grass fire on the Forshee feedlot off Highway 31 near Manderson on July 10. 

An emergency call was made around 1 p.m. on Thursday after a spark from machinery being used to cut metal ignited dry grass and brush, which grew to a roughly half-acre fire by the time responders arrived. Manderson Fire Department was accompanied by Hyattville, Basin and Ten Sleep crews. 

Big Horn County Fire Warden Brent Godfrey reported that no major monetary losses occurred in the incident, which consumed several junk vehicles as well as a trailer containing oil and grease. Fire crews were able to control the flames before they reached nearby fuel tanks. The main fire was squelched within an hour, with mop up continuing for another hour afterwards. 

“It’s getting extremely dry,” Godrey said, reminding citizens to cover their burn barrels with screens and keep plenty of water on hand when fire is being utilized. Call Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office at 307-568-2458 to report controlled burns.