Natrona County
Sandpiper Fire Investigation Continues After 6,287-Acre Blaze Near Casper
A joint task force of city, state and county fire officials is continuing its investigation into the cause of the Sandpiper Fire, which charred 6,287 acres east of Casper and forced the evacuation of multiple neighborhoods along Cole Creek Road.
The fire was first reported shortly before 3 p.m. on Friday, March 20, and grew rapidly under extreme conditions — sustained winds of 40 mph, humidity below 15 percent, and record-high temperatures in the upper 70s. By the time it was fully contained on Saturday, March 21, it had burned more acreage than all fires in Natrona County during 2024 combined.
Natrona County Sheriff's deputies went door to door on Friday evening, ordering evacuations for residents on Sandpiper Street, Castle Stone Drive, Stonewood Street, and Ridgeview Road off Cole Creek Road. The fire came dangerously close to several homes but stopped just short of damaging structures.
"We were incredibly fortunate," said Natrona County Fire District spokesperson Karen Wheeler. "Another shift in the wind and we could have been looking at a very different outcome for those families."
Aircraft mapping conducted after containment placed the final burn area at approximately 6,287 acres, with the majority in Natrona County and some spread into neighboring Converse County.
Fire investigators have not yet released a cause determination. The investigation involves personnel from the Casper Fire Department, Natrona County Fire District, Wyoming State Forestry Division, and the Bureau of Land Management.
"We're being very thorough," said State Forestry Division investigator Dale Henning. "Given the size and the proximity to residential areas, we want to make sure we have a complete and accurate understanding of how this fire started."
The Sandpiper Fire is the largest wildfire recorded in Natrona County since the 2012 Sheep Herder Hill Fire. Officials say the early-season blaze is a warning sign for what could be a severe fire season across central Wyoming.
Residents who were evacuated have since been allowed to return to their homes. No injuries were reported during the fire.
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