The claim: All ‘major’ Wyoming wildfires are burning on ‘privately owned’ land near site of rare earth metal discovery

An Oct. 8 Instagram post (direct link, archive link) shows what appears to be a group of elk running through a burning field.

“WYOMING. Multiple wildfires are ongoing near Wheatland, where it’s reported that there is approximately 2.34 billion metric tons of rare earth minerals,” reads on-screen text in the clip, which includes a screenshot of a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The Instagram post also shows a video of a man speaking to the camera about the fires, saying at one point that “these major fires are all in the privately-owned sectors” of the state.

It echoes claims spread widely by former CBS News reporter Lara Logan and other users on X who suggest the fires are part of a land grab.

The Instagram post received more than 10,000 times in six days.

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Our rating: False

The post is wrong on multiple fronts. The major wildfires in Wyoming are burning national forests, not private land, and they are hundreds of miles from the spot where the minerals were found.

No evidence to support land-grab conspiracy theory

Firefighters in Wyoming have been battling two massive blazes that, as of Oct. 14, have combined to burn more than 160,000 acres. The Pack River Fire, which broke out Sept. 15 with a lightning strike and then merged with another blaze, has burned in excess of 75,000 acres. Another lightning strike 12 days later started the Elk Fire, which has burned more than 85,000 acres.

Fact check: Image doesn’t show Smokehouse Creek fire, it’s an illustration from 2017

Taken together, several elements of the Instagram post promote a baseless conspiracy theory that links the fires to the February discovery of more than 2 billion metric tons of rare earth minerals in the state and suggests they are part of a land grab orchestrated by the government. But there is no credible evidence to support that claim, and a closer look at the details unravels the alleged conspiracy.

While the post does not identify the wildfires by name, it makes clear references to the Elk and Pack Trail fires. The U.S. Forest Service on Oct. 14 listed seven fires in Wyoming on its InciWeb website, and those were the only ones that both involve more than 1,000 acres and were not at least 90% contained.

“For active fires, those are the two big ones,” said Tucker Furniss, an assistant professor at the University of Wyoming and leader of the school’s fire and landscape ecology lab.

Post mischaracterizes locations of fires

The post misleads with its assertion that the fires are “near” both Wheatland, Wyoming, and the lode of minerals found in that area.

The city and the discovery site are both in the state’s southeastern corner. But the Elk Fire is more than 200 miles north-northwest of the lode near the northern border with Montana. Kristie Thompson, the forest service’s public information officer for the Elk Fire, characterized that blaze as “not near” the mining site in a conversation with USA TODAY. The Pack Trail Fire is even farther away, in western Wyoming more than 250 miles northwest of where the minerals were found.

The Instagram post also includes a TikTok video claiming, among other things, that “these major fires are all in the privately owned sectors” of the state. That’s not true. The Elk Fire is burning in Bighorn National Forest, while the Pack Trail Fire is in both the Bridger-Teton and Shoshone national forests.

The TikTok video goes on to claim the “worst of the fires” were burning in the state’s southeast corner. But that’s also false. Two of the seven fires listed on InciWeb were in the southeastern quadrant, the site of the mineral lode. But as of the date of the post, both had been 100% contained for weeks or months.

The TikTok begins with a declaration that “Wyoming’s on fire” and a separate map in the background that appears to indicate dozens of fires across the state. However, a closer look at the map – published by a nonprofit group called the Fire, Weather and Avalanche Center – shows the vast majority of those are classified as “small” at 1,000 acres or fewer and have been contained, as indicated by icons of gray flames. Only one fire in the state’s southeastern quadrant was considered large: a 1,400-acre brush fire 20 miles north-northeast of Laramie, Wyoming, and emergency officials said on Sept. 21 that it, too, had been fully contained.

Other claims in the post also don’t add up. The man in the TikTok says the fires “just so happened to get hit by lightning,” But there is no credible evidence to counter the forest service’s conclusion that lightning caused both. And that’s not an anomaly. Lightning strikes are “a common source of ignition,” Furniss said.

“We know basically every lightning strike, when and where it occurs,” he said. “When there’s a lightning strike and then a fire starts right there, that’s a pretty surefire way to know exactly what caused it.”

Even the clip of elk running near flames in the X post is misleading. It has nothing to do with Wyoming, was taken from a video shared by ABC in 2021 and shows a fire in Montana’s Big Horn County.

USA TODAY reached out to the Instagram and X user who shared the post but did not immediately receive a response. The TikTok user did not address the claim in a response to USA TODAY.

Our fact-check sources:

• Tucker Furniss, Oct. 11, Phone interview with USA TODAY
• Kristie Thompson, Oct. 10, Phone interview with USA TODAY
• U.S. Forest Service, accessed Oct. 11, Incident Table (Wyoming)
• Forest Service, accessed Oct. 11, Elk Fire 2024
• Forest Service, accessed Oct. 11, Pack Trail Fire
• Forest Service, accessed Oct. 11, La Bonte Fire
• Forest Service, accessed Oct. 11, Pleasant Valley Fire
• Forest Service, Sept. 29, Daily Update Fish Creek and Pack Trail Fires
• American Rare Earths, February 2024, Technical Report of Exploration and Updated Resource Estimates of the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project
• Google Maps, accessed Oct. 11, Wheatland, Wyoming
• Google Maps (archive), Oct. 11, 101124 Map from Halleck Creek to Elk Fire
• Google Maps (archive), Oct. 11, 101124 Map From Halleck Creek to Pack Trail Fire
• Fire, Weather and Avalanche Center, accessed Oct. 11, Fire Map
• Albany County, WY Emergency Management, Sept. 21, Facebook post
• U.S. Forest Service – Bighorn National Forest, Oct. 7, Facebook post
• ABC, Aug. 2, 2021, X post

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If you’re thinking of relocating for retirement, you may be thinking about Florida or Arizona — and you may not be thinking about Wyoming. Give it some consideration, though, as it has a lot to offer.

Let’s start with its amazing natural beauty. It’s home to the Grand Teton National Park, for starters. Those who love to hike or bike, hunt or fish or ski, will be able to keep busy. The state also sports a low crime rate.

Wyoming was named the 10th-best state for retirement by Bankrate.com, ranking high for affordability but low for weather. Winters in Wyoming can be quite extreme, with lots of snow and very cold temperatures. Per the World Population Review, Wyoming’s overall cost of living is about 93% of the national average — with housing costs particularly low. The typical home price in Wyoming was recently $348,066 — close to the national average — though much less costly housing can be found depending on where in the state you look. Car insurance, meanwhile, averages $2,393 annually, about $624 below average.

Wyoming rates well when it comes to taxes. It has no state income tax, and it also has no estate tax, either.

Retirees, understandably, tend to care a lot about healthcare, and Wyoming scores adequately but not impressively on this measure, ranked the 29th-best state in the nation for elderly healthcare by MedicareGuide.com.

Remember, too, that Wyoming sports lots of wildlife, but not that many people. If you thrive on the hustle and bustle of big cities, look elsewhere. Wyoming features lots of rural areas and some small cities — but not as much in the way of cultural attractions such as museums, theater, and art galleries as you can find in other states.

It’s smart to spend at least a few months in any location you’re thinking about, to make sure it’s a good fit for you and your overall retirement plan.

Wyoming, known as “The Equality State” for being the first to grant women the right to vote and “The Cowboy State” for its rich cattle ranching history, boasts stunning landscapes and a sparse population. With Wyoming’s cold winters, hot summers, and damp springs, autumn’s crisp, dry air is ideal for exploring small towns that really come alive in fall. Peak fall foliage color typically hits western Wyoming in late September, southern Wyoming in early October and the rest of the state in mid-October. So, if you have missed a few of the great Wyoming fall festivals or leaf-peeping spots for 2024, use our guide to start making plans for autumn 2025!

Hulett

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of northeastern Wyoming, Hulett is a charming small town with a population of around 300 residents. Its close proximity to the iconic Devils Tower, America’s first national monument, makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking breathtaking natural beauty. The tower, which rises 850 feet above the ground, offers stunning panoramic views of the vibrant fall foliage that peaks in early to mid October. Registering for an ascent is a rewarding adventure if you have climbing experience, but you can also enjoy the scenery from the base. In late October, you can enjoy the sights and scents of the Fall Vendor Fair at Crook County Fairgrounds.

Pinedale

Pinedale serves as the gateway to the breathtaking Wind River Mountains, making it a prime destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially during the fall season. This small town is a haven for hunters and anglers eager to pursue the region’s abundant wildlife, including rainbow and brown trout, as well as big game like deer and bighorn sheep. A highlight for visitors is the Museum of the Mountain Man, which remains open until late October and provides fascinating insights into the area’s rich history of hunting and fur trapping. For those seeking stunning autumn vistas, a drive to Squaretop Mountain in the Bridger-Teton National Forest offers unparalleled opportunities for leaf-peeping, particularly as the colors reach their peak in early October.

Teton Village

Located at the base of the renowned Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Teton Village becomes a breathtaking spectacle of fall colors as the leaves change. Visitors can embark on an aerial tram ride that provides a unique vantage point to witness the vibrant autumn canopy from above. The experience is complemented by the enchanting sounds of elk bugling, which can be heard during September and early October as these magnificent creatures call to one another. The village will once again host the excellent Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival in mid-September 2025, and you can still catch fall-themed concerts from the Grand Teton Music Festival in late October 2024.

Buffalo

Buffalo, located at the foot of the majestic Bighorn Mountains, is steeped in history and charm. Known for its historic Occidental Hotel, founded in 1880, the town offers a glimpse into Wyoming’s rich past. Recently, Buffalo’s economy has shifted towards tourism, particularly during the fall months when visitors flock to the Cloud Peak Skyway Scenic Byway. This scenic route provides 10,000 foot-high views of the surrounding landscape’s vibrant autumn colors, which typically peak from early-to-mid October. During this time, be sure to explore Artisan Row, where you can discover the talents of local artists and enjoy the crisp, fresh air while immersing yourself in the town’s artistic community.

Laramie

Laramie is alive with energy in autumn, particularly during the University of Wyoming’s football season. Home game weekends turn the town into an even-more-bustling hub, with local shops and restaurants filled with enthusiastic fans. October also brings a variety of autumn festivities, including a Hay Art and Pumpkin Festival in mid-month and the Laramie Fall Fest a few days before Halloween. If you want to get in touch with nature, the nearby Vedauwoo Recreation Area is a must-visit. Its dramatic rock formations, accessed by multiple hiking trails, serve as a stunning backdrop for the autumn colors.

Dayton

With a population of fewer than 1,000 residents, Dayton is a quaint small town that lies near the stunning Tongue River Canyon. As October unfolds, the hiking trails in the canyon become a vibrant tapestry of colors, making it a perfect time for outdoor exploration. If you find yourself in the area in mid-October 2024 or in years to come, make sure to check out the Dayton Fall Festival. This lively event features vendors, rides, music, and a “zombie run,” providing a taste of the region’s creativity and community spirit. While wandering through Dayton, take in the crisp autumn air and the scenic river views that are particularly striking against the backdrop of colorful canyon walls.

Encampment

Once a thriving mining camp, Encampment has transformed into a quaint town that proudly showcases its rich history at the Grand Encampment Museum. This living history museum features recreated structures that tell the story of the area’s mining past and offer a glimpse into the lives of early settlers. A short drive west leads to Aspen Alley, a hidden gem renowned for its breathtaking aspen trees displaying vibrant colors, especially at the beginning of October. Additionally, for hunting enthusiasts, Carbon County is considered one of the best locations in Wyoming for big game hunting during the fall, making it a prime destination for outdoor activities.

Wyoming is an outdoor paradise no matter the season, but autumn casts a special spell over the state. The shine of the brilliant sunlight on colorful leaves, clear water, and towering rock formations creates an unforgettable viewing experience. Meanwhile, communities throughout the state celebrate the ideal weather and unmatched scenery with lively fall events. So, plan your autumn adventure in Wyoming and explore these charming small towns during this spectacular season.