FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Laramie Fire Department Responds to Structure Fire on Hwy 230

Laramie, WY – March 22, 2025 – At approximately 15:45 AM on March 22, 2025, The City of Laramie Fire Department was dispatched to a possible structure fire at 786 Hwy 230. The incident required a coordinated multi-agency response to contain the fire and ensure the safety of the occupants.

Upon dispatch, City of Laramie Fire Department Engine 7 (E7) was alerted to a potential fire in the Albany County Fire District #1 area. As the unit was responding, dispatch advised that the occupants had safely evacuated, and deputies from the Albany County Sheriff's Office (ACSO) arrived on scene, reporting smoke filling the house. They indicated that the fire might be located in the walls or ceiling.

When Engine 7 arrived on scene, they found a medium-sized, single-story house with a basement. There were no visible flames, but the smoke was still present inside the structure. Engine 7 began a thorough investigation and, after performing a 360-degree size-up, identified heat signatures near the chimney area in the walls and soffit. Crews were then tasked with searching for the source of the heat and smoke.

Multiple firefighting units and emergency services were dispatched to assist with the response, including crews from Albany County Fire District #1 (AC37, ACCV1, VVFD1, BLFD1, CVFD1), and LFD EMS services (MS145). Crews were assigned specific roles, including attack groups, rapid intervention teams (RIT), and overhaul.

As crews began to remove building materials in the area emitting smoke, they discovered a smoldering fire within the wall. Firefighters worked quickly to extinguish the fire using a hose line, water can, and ABC extinguisher, while also ensuring the fire was fully extinguished in the basement fireplace. Exterior overhaul efforts found no signs of fire spread beyond the walls and roofline. The fire was officially declared out at 17:06 PM by the attack group supervisor.

A basic origin and cause investigation was conducted and the cause of the fire remains undetermined.

The homeowner was alerted of the fire by having working smoke detectors throughout their home. The Laramie Fire Department urges all residents to install smoke detectors in every sleeping area, hallway, and on each level of their homes to ensure maximum fire safety. Smoke detectors provide an early warning in the event of a fire, giving families the time they need to evacuate safely.

It’s equally important to regularly test smoke detectors, change the batteries at least once a year, and replace the units every 10 years. A properly functioning smoke detector can save lives and protect property. Take a few minutes today to check your smoke detectors and make sure your home is prepared in case of an emergency.

For more fire safety tips, please visit Laramie Fire Department's website or contact us directly. Stay safe!