"The Moonshine fire grew to over 7,300 acres in just ten days, requiring more than 300 personnel and costing nearly $9 million, highlighting the rapid escalation potential of natural fires in the region."
The Moonshine wildfire, located 17 miles southwest of Wheatland in Albany County, Wyoming, was first discovered on September 7, 2026. The fire, caused by natural factors and managed by the SF jurisdictional agency, expanded rapidly from 40 acres on September 8 to 7,325 acres by September 19, with containment rising from 0% to 61% during that period. Fire behavior evolved from active, running, and torching to moderate and then minimal, with personnel deployed increasing from 122 to 292 at the peak before declining as containment improved. Estimated costs climbed from $2,000,000 to $8,900,000 as the fire grew and resources were committed.
Official source description: 17 Miles SW from Wheatland, WY
Minimal; Creeping; Smoldering
Good air quality. Outdoor activity is generally safe near this incident.
Nearest reporting station: Laramie. Source: AirNow.gov (EPA).
With the fire now minimal and largely smoldering, general wildfire safety guidance applies: stay away from the fire perimeter, avoid burning debris, and follow any local evacuation orders if issued.
IRWIN ID: {253FEBB4-00DF-4F5A-92A9-2BB07805125F}
Discovered: Sep 7, 2026
Cause: Natural
Managing Agency: SF
Est. Cost to Date: $8,900,000
Coordinates: 41.9537, -105.3216
Other wildfires that have recently been contained or dropped from official tracking in WY.
The Moonshine Fire has burned 7,325 acres as of September 19, 2026.
As of the latest update, the Moonshine Fire is 61% contained.
The official cause has been listed as: Natural.
The Moonshine Fire is burning in Albany, WY.
Yes, as of the latest official update, the Moonshine Fire remains active.
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