Paige Backman
pbackman@uwyo.edu
The impacts of a fire that started in a landfill near Casper, Wyoming have been felt throughout the state and on campus.
The cause of the Oct. 10 fire is still under investigation. Starting on the east side of town, high winds caused the prairie grass near the landfill to catch fire and move quickly. Nearly 1,300 residents were evacuated from the path of the fire and a dozen homes were burned to the ground. The fire also destroyed barns, sheds and vehicles.
University of Wyoming students that are Casper natives heard about the fire as reports from friends and family trickled in. UW sophomore Valerie Williams said she first heard about the fire on a phone call from her father.
“He told me the fire was spreading fast,” said Williams, “Even then, I wasn’t as worried as I should’ve been.”
Students like Williams whose families reside in Casper and Evansville felt restless.
“I wanted to be with my family,” she said. “But I knew they would be safe and I have to stay for school.”
As the fire, nicknamed the Cole Creek Fire, spread and reports continued to come in Williams would learn that her friend and a former teacher worked as volunteer firefighters and were trying to contain the landfill fire that had since progressed to a grass fire.
“I wanted to be with my family and friends,” Williams said, “But the community has really come together.”
“The evacuees were sent to Casper College for several days,” Valerie’s father and Casper resident, Mark Williams said
Mark, a traffic engineer for the Casper area said that the fire also caused road closures on Glenrock Highway and Wyoming Highway 256 for days.
“All the grocery stores in town have donation boxes that seem full. The Red Cross, Salvation Army and even GoFundMe organizations have been leading the relief efforts.” Mark Williams said.
The Williams family, although their home wasn’t near the blaze itself has felt and observed the aftermath of the fire. Aside from Valerie, they have two other daughters, one in high school and another attending Casper College. While the fire was deeply devastating for some, most students and their families feel as though they can breathe a sigh of gratitude.
“I am surprised at the number of houses they actually saved.” Mark said.
The Cole Creek Fire has left aftermath that will take time to overcome but there is hope and a sense of community that burns strong in Casper.
“I think people are starting to rebuild their lives now” said Mark.
Donations can be sent to the American Red Cross in Casper at:
318 W B St, Casper, WY 82601 (307) 237-8436
