Wild Horse Flats Fire contained after growing to 150 acres

Blaze on Wind River Reservation brought under control by firefighters

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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A fire on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, dubbed the 'Wild Horse Flats Fire,' grew to around 150 acres on Monday evening before being contained by firefighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation, but officials say it has been turned over to the Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry services for monitoring.

Why it matters

Wildfires are a major concern in the western United States, especially on Native American reservations where resources for fire suppression can be limited. The quick containment of this fire prevented it from potentially growing into a larger and more destructive blaze.

The details

The fire was first reported around 7 PM on Monday in the area of Wild Horse Flats, off the Maverick Springs Road north of Diversion Dam on the Wind River Reservation. Fremont County Fire Protection District Chief Ron Wempen confirmed the fire was contained by 9:30 PM.

  • The fire was first reported around 7 PM on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • As of 9:30 PM on Monday, February 17, 2026, the fire was contained.

The players

Fremont County Fire Protection District

The local fire department that responded to and contained the Wild Horse Flats Fire.

Ron Wempen

The fire chief of the Fremont County Fire Protection District who confirmed the fire was contained.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry

The agency that has taken over monitoring of the contained fire on the Wind River Reservation.

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The takeaway

This fire highlights the ongoing challenge of wildfires in the western United States, especially on tribal lands where resources can be limited. The quick response and containment of this blaze prevented it from becoming a larger and more destructive event.