Wyoming Fire Lookout Wrapped Against Fire

This unusual picture was posted on Facebook by the  U.S. Forest Service-Bridger-Teton National Forest

As part of the firefighting effort on the Horse fire, the Prospect Peak Lookout tower was wrapped to protect it during the wildfire.

Firefighters use an aluminized structure wrap that looks like aluminum foil, but is much more technically superior.

It is designed to deflect radiant heat and embers.

More photos below on the historic structure and the latest news on the fire.

This is, or was, a small lookout cabin on Prospect Peak.

The Horse Fire has moved a little too close.

The lookout is not used anymore, but that's not the point.

Nobody wants to lose this historic old building.

At least not yet.

Though it will eventually fall down on it's own if repairs are not made.

We are halfway through 2025, and there is finally a fire in Wyoming.

It's just one lone fire, way out west.

The Horse Fire, which is not an actual horse on fire, was started by lightning. (Joke).

Located in Sublette County, it was first reported in the morning on Friday, June 13.

The area burning is 35 miles west of Pinedale and has grown to 900 acres.

While most of Wyoming has been wet and green, this area could use a little rain.

One dry thunderstorm passed by, and a good lightning strike started it all.

“ The conifers that haven't really come out of their dormant state yet to start taking on water actually were ripe for that lightning strike and the fire started,” (Bridger-Teton National Forest Public Information Officer Mary Cernicek).

The fire is currently 6% contained.

“ Containment means we've got some line around the fire that we don't expect the fire to jump out of,” she said. “That part of the fire is contained into the footprint that it's already burned.”

The fire is heading east.

Eighty-two people are currently working the blaze, including hot shots, helicopters, and crews.

Water and fire suppression drops were paused Sunday when a drone was spotted in the area.

On Saturday, June 14, 2025 a drone flew over the Horse Fire, grounding all aircraft and disrupting operations. Drones stop critical aerial firefighting operations, such as water drops and reconnaissance flights. Keep drones out of wildfire zones. If you fly, we can't! (Bridger Teton Facebook Page).

So far, the amount of wet weather the state has been getting this spring has held back the type of fire season Wyoming saw back in 2024.

The extended forecast for our region shows continued afternoon thunderstorms and good moisture for at least through he end of June.