GUERNSEY – A call came into Platte County dispatch at 1:14 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, notifying available units of a structure fire near a private lane off Wendover Road west of Guernsey. Reportedly, the smoke was visible from U.S. 26 at the time.
County fire warden Aaron Clark said by the time the fire engines came on-scene, the structure – a home – was completely burned, so the firefighting effort was mainly focused on ensuring there were no hot spots remaining, and the grass surrounding the property did not catch on fire. The owner had taken precautions for fire earlier this summer, ensuring the entire area around the yard was kept mowed, which helped keep the fire from spreading.
The home was a total loss, but no one was hurt in the blaze. One of two dogs in the home at the time of the fire perished, but – miraculously – one of them escaped, and the chickens in a coop next to the house all survived.

With a desire to maintain privacy, the owner wishes to remain anonymous but said help would be appreciated to purchase a camper trailer to live in until plans for building a new home can be made. Donations can be made to a Go Fund Me account which can be accessed with the following link: https://gofund.me/8cad5744. As of noon on Monday, $4,155 was raised for the family.
The cause of the fire is unknown, and the Wyoming State Fire Marshal’s office is investigating the incident. Guernsey Rural, Guernsey Town, and Camp Guernsey fire departments all responded to the call.
County-wide fire update
Clark reported, throughout Platte County this summer and fall, firefighters responded an official total of 34 wildland fires (including nine mutual aid responses to surrounding counties) which burned approximately 11,000 acres in Platte County. He cautioned people to continue to be vigilant about the fire danger and dry conditions across the county. “Remember, we’re still under a fire ban,” Clark said.