Mason Fire 90 Percent Contained, But It Has Gone Underground

There is good news and bad news in regard to the Mason Fire southwest of Laramie.

The good news is that it was 90 percent contained as of late afternoon on Monday. But the bad news is that it has gone underground, complicating efforts to defeat the blaze.

The fire is burning southwest of Laramie along the Laramie River near Harmony

Kate Allred, Albany County Coordinator for Emergency Management/Homeland Security, issued the following release on Monday afternoon:

Mason Fire Update:

Monday, November 20, 2023 – 3:30pm

The Mason Fire is currently 90% contained.  The fire has gone underground into the cottonwood root system. Since the extent of fire spread within the root system is unknown, declaration of full containment may not occur.

Albany County fire resources have secured the perimeter where possible and will continue to monitor the area. Due to the nature of this fire, it is difficult to locate where it has traveled, meaning that smoke and fire could reappear under the right conditions. If smoke is seen in the area, please contact 9-1-1 immediately.

At this time, the cause of the fire is undetermined and is under investigation.

Here are the following releases on the fire from the past few days:

Albany County Emergency Management in a Facebook update at 11:15 a.m. Friday said there are currently 27 responders on the scene.

"It is 70% contained at this time," the post reads.

6:20 P.M. UPDATE:

Albany County Emergency Management says the fire hasn't burned any further acreage than reported at 11 a.m., and still remains approximately 50% contained.

ORIGINAL STORY:

Officials say a fire burning southwest of Laramie along the Laramie River near Harmony has scorched approximately 100 acres.

"At this time, it is approximately 50% contained," the post reads.

The agency says high winds and dry conditions are fueling the fire.

People are being asked to avoid the area to give responders room to work.