Good morning, Gillette.

Today, amid a heat dome, Wyoming utilities kept coal-fired plants ready for rising demand even as coal's share dropped from 94% in 2008 to about 47% now (UW School of Energy Resources).

Renewables and natural gas are gradually increasing their share in the state’s mix.

A wildfire called the Bare Fire has broken out in the Big Piney Ranger District (north of Bare Pass and east of Bare Creek) where Teton Interagency Fire engines, including two Type-3 helicopters and smokejumpers, are working to control the blaze.

Suzanne Hansen, a local animal rehabber, said the unusually warm weather is stressing wildlife after pieces of her patients’ lives were found scattered around her front yard *highlighting* the impact of extreme conditions on local animals.

Under the current heat dome, Wyoming utilities report coal's share in power production is at an all-time low as electricity demand spikes, prompting an emergency order from federal officials.

A federal plan announced Friday spares Wyoming from mandatory water cuts while requiring Upper Basin states to conserve up to 200,000 acre-feet annually.

The plan designates Flaming Gorge Reservoir (on the Wyoming-Utah border) as a backup to help manage shortages, and final decisions could come later this year.