The Beaver Creek Fire, burning through heavy, beetle-killed timber north of Walden since June 19, grew to 16,809 acres Sunday.
The fire has not reached the Wyoming state line, but a haze of smoke is expected to become visible in Laramie by early afternoon, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The fire is burning .
Recent rains have slightly reduced the intensity of the fire. However, it continues to rage along the perimeter and is consuming unburned timber within the perimeter.
Hotter, drier conditions expected during the next several days could increase fire activity.
Almost 150 firefighters are fighting the blaze, and only 5 percent of the perimeter is contained.
Commanders estimate the wildfire’s containment date as Oct. 21.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
