Moorcroft Leader - The Voice of the Community Since 1909, Serving Moorcroft and Pine Haven, Wyoming

1370-acre fire south of Wright sparked by mine blast

GILLETTE (WNE) — The Campbell County Fire Department fought its biggest fire of the season Sunday caused by a blast at Black Thunder Mine.

At 2:15 p.m., firefighters responded to the Hilight Road area, south of Highway 450, for a reported grass fire.

The fire was contained at 1370 acres and was caused by a blast from Black Thunder mine, said Battalion Chief Bryan Borgialli.

The fire department had 17 firefighters and two chiefs working the fire, which was contained by 6 p.m. Sunday. The U.S. Forest Service was the first agency to respon...