Wildfire east of Yellowstone slows advance after evacuations

CODY, Wyo. — A wildfire east of Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming has slowed its advance after forcing evacuations of some rural cabins and a Boy Scout camp.

Authorities said the fire burned roughly 17 square miles (44 sq. kilometers) by Friday morning, a 1 square mile (2.5 sq. kilometer) increase from the day before.

The Park County Sheriff's Office says four firefighting engines remained on the scene overnight to monitor the blaze Fire operations spokeswoman Vickie Russo says crews are working to protect several guest ranches more than a century old that are north of the fire.

Cooler weather and rain in the forecast were expected to help slow the fire's growth.

The fire began in the Washakie Wilderness last weekend. No cause has been determined and the fire remains under investigation.