Smoke descends on Panhandle as Mullen Fire continues to grow

SIDNEY - Residents of the southern Panhandle are waking up to smoke conditions on Saturday. 

Smoke from the Mullen Fire in Southeast Wyoming is being carried by winds into the area causing a hazy look to the skies and a smoky smell to the air Saturday morning. 

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire burning in the Medicine Bow National Forest is at almost 36,000 acres burned. Winds over the past two days helped the fire to spread. 

A smoke map from airnow.gov shows the path of the smoke from the blaze. 

Health officials recommend people with sensitive respiratory issues, such as asthma, as well as children and the elderly should be cautious to avoid excessive physical activity and limit time outside. 

The National Weather Service has also issued a Red Flag Warning that takes effect noon Saturday that includes the southern Panhandle counties of Kimball, Cheyenne, Morrill, Banner and Scotts Bluff. 

Low humidity and forecast winds are leading to a critical fire danger. Burning of any kind is strongly discouraged.