Members of the Tea Fire Department assist with Devils Tower wildfire

Members of the Tea Fire Department’s Wildland Crew are currently deployed in northeastern Wyoming, where they are helping battle the Newton Fire burning near Devils Tower National Monument.

The Tea firefighters assigned to the deployment include James Madsen, Parker Wilson, Jaikob Week and Steve Oberle.

The four are working alongside crews from across the region to help contain the wildfire.

The Newton Fire, which was discovered around 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, has burned nearly 300 acres east of Wyoming Highway 24, just southeast of Devils Tower. Hot, dry conditions and weekend temperatures exceeding 100 degrees have contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

As a result of the wildfire, Devils Tower National Monument was closed to visitors on Saturday and Sunday. The monument reopened Monday, Aug. 3, during normal operating hours, but all hiking trails and backcountry areas remain closed for public safety while firefighting operations continue. Fire crews and equipment remain active throughout the park.