UPDATE: October 15 at 12:00 p.m.
Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the Elk Fire, which has spread to 91,905 acres. The fire, fueled by warm and dry conditions, expanded by 2,590 acres recently. Currently, 939 personnel are assigned to combat the blaze, with containment at just 26 percent.
Lightning is believed to have caused the fire, and it has been threatening areas in the southern region, moving southeast. The fire crossed Rapid Creek overnight, challenging efforts to manage its expansion.
Efforts to open roads impacted by the fire made progress. The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) has reopened sections of US 14 and US 14A. This includes US 14 from Greybull to Burgess Junction and US 14A from Burgess Junction to Lovell. However, US 14 from Burgess Junction east to Dayton remains closed.
There is an update on evacuation statuses and road closures from the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office. Residents near Horseshoe Road, southwest of Dayton, have been allowed to return as the evacuation status changed from "Go" to "Set." Several roads near Dayton, Parkman, and Sheridan are now open to the public.
UPDATE: October 14 at 9:58 a.m.
Monday morning, the Elk Fire has burned89,315 acres and is slightly less contained than yesterday with this growth at 27%.
The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office has updated the evacuation status of more areas.
- The Red Grade Road area is now in "go" status. This includes Bear Gulch Road to the forest boundary and all Teepee Cabins, Black Tooth Cabins,Lower Hideaway Lane, Red Poll Lane, Upper Hideaway Lane, Stumpy Ridge, Helsberg and Folley Ranch.
- Hidden Valley Road and Highway 335 intersection to Brinton Road is now in "set" status.
- The area south of Highway 335 and Brinton Road moving east to Highway 87 is now in "ready" status.
- Poverty Flats area is at "go" status this morning.
There will be a planned power outage at Red Grade Road, to help ensure the safety of fire crews during this evacuation.
Public information officers will be at the Big Horn post office today from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm to answer questions about the current fire situation, operational strategies, and evacuations, Big Horn National Forest said. The national forest offices are closed today in observance of the federal holiday.
UPDATE: October 13 at 10:09 a.m.
As of Sunday morning, the Elk Fire is burning 87,805 acres in Wyoming and has not crossed into Montana. The fire is 28% contained. With growth in the fire came a decrease in its containment levels.901 personnel are fighting the fire that has been spreading south.
Public information officers and fire personnel will be at the Story post office today from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm to answer questions about the current fire situation, operational strategies, and evacuations, the Big Horn National Forest said.
Firefighting crews are diligently working on different fronts to control a fire near Story. On the northern side, crews are patrolling along the dozer-constructed firelines, looking for hotspots along the 144 Road.
The priority remains on the southern side of the fire. Both night and day crews are focused here. Meanwhile, the eastern side has been contained, with crews finding only a few hotspots.
"We have been successful so far by being proactive, and we will continue to operate that way,"Incident Commander Casey Cheesbrough said.
Today, active firing operations are aimed at reducing fuels and increasing firelines south of the main fire.
Helicopters played a key role on the previous day, making numerous retardant drops around strategic areas such as communication infrastructure, dozer firelines, hunting camps, and cabins.
All 13 aircraft remain available to assist with the operations. However, heavy smoke and low visibility could pose challenges to their flight capabilities.
This morning, evacuations remain the same.
UPDATE: October 12 at 2:11 p.m.
SHERIDAN COUNTY, Wyo. – The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office has announced updates to the evacuation status for areas near the Elk Fire. As of October 12, the Rapid Creek area has moved to a "Go" status while another area has moved to "Ready" status.
The Rapid Creek area, specifically west at the end of Bear Gulch Road to Bear Gulch Trail moving southwest to the forest service boundary, is now on "Go" status. This includes the Rapid Creek Ranch. Residents have been notified, and there will be a significant law enforcement presence in the area.
A different area west of Highway 335, from the intersections of Beaver Creek Road and Brinton Road to Hidden Valley Road, has shifted to a "Ready" status. The area continues northwest to Bear Gulch Trail intersection with Big Horn Road, and east to Beaver Creek and Big Horn Roads. This change affects everything west and south of Beaver Creek Road.
Officials are actively monitoring the Elk Fire and will assess the need to adjust evacuation levels as necessary.
No changes have been made to the existing road closures. Residents are urged to track the latest updates through theSheridan County Facebook pageand theSheridan County website.
The fire in Sheridan County continues to spread, now engulfing 84,328 acres according to the Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3. Incident Commander, Casey Cheesbrough, conveyed updates and ongoing strategies.
The fire, sparked by lightning, is currently 32 percent contained, with 937 personnel involved. Resources include 13 aircraft, 20 crews, 66 engines, and more, marking a concerted effort to quell the blaze.
Jay Miller, Deputy Incident Commander, explained the strategy on the fire's progress. “Some things we can control and some things we can’t, but we can control the work we’re doing," Miller said. "We’ll be as aggressive as we can be while keeping firefighters and residents safe and protecting the watershed from lasting damage.”
The fire's eastern perimeter shows significant containment. However, efforts are focused on preventing spread to the south. Recent operations on the southern side resulted in an increase in reported acreage.
Weather is playing a significant role, with a weak cold front bringing cooler temperatures but challenging conditions on the southern and western sides of the fire. Fire behavior analysts warn that active fire behavior could lead to more growth.
Incident command says that the situation remains dynamic, with possible changes to evacuation zones. An evacuation center established by the Red Cross is located at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds.
Road closures are affecting travel, particularly on US Highway 14 and US Highway 14A. For detailed road-closure information, the public is encouraged to visit the Wyoming Department of Transportation's website. Bighorn National Forest lands near the Elk Fire remain closed under a specific order.
For more information about air quality and smoke, residents are advised to check airnow.gov.
For more details about the Elk Fire, contact the Sheridan County Emergency Management at 307-752-2174.
UPDATE: October 11 at 4:49 p.m.
Change in Elk Fire evacuation map announced for Sheridan County
SHERIDAN COUNTY, Mont. – The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office has provided an update on the changes to the evacuation map concerning the Elk Fire.
A specific area has been downgraded from a "Set" status to a "Ready" status. This change affects an area at Pass Creek Road from Highway 345 west to Slack Road, extending north to the Montana state line. The status downgrade also includes residences along Slack Road and south along East Pass Creek Road, reaching the Forest Service boundary and extending east to cover the length of Twin Creek Road.
The Sheriff's Office and Incident Command are keeping a close watch on the Elk Fire's behavior. They are assessing whether further changes to evacuation levels are needed.
Authorities have not altered any current road closures at this time.
For the latest updates and information, officials urge residents to check the Sheridan County Facebook page and the Sheridan County website.
Sheridan County Sheriff's Office says that thecooperation of the community remains crucial as efforts continue to ensure the safety of all residents affected by the Elk Fire.
UPDATE: October 9 at 9:34 a.m.
The Big Goose Water Treatment Facility has been safeguarded with various structural protections and sprinkler systems as efforts continue against the expanding Elk Fire. The danger, which has now reached nearly 76,000 acres, remains a concern for the area.
To address the fire's spread, crews are implementing point protection strategies, including the use of sprinkler systems. These methods aim to slow the fire's progress and reduce the amount of fuel consumed by the flames.
Strategic firing operations are planned in the Big Goose Watershed, according to officials, and these controlled burns will begin in the coming days to gradually steer the fire. Officials note that additional smoke might be visible from these operations, which are planned when conditions are suitable.
Active flames were reported in the Big Goose Canyon section of the Elk Fire. Overnight, fire crews and engines arrived in the area to combat the fire's movement while awaiting the day shift. The response includes monitoring various influences like wind, fuel availability, and terrain, as these elements can affect how the fire behaves.
In response to community concerns and queries about the fire's direction and strategies, officials confirmed the Elk Fire is 16% contained, as of this report. They continue to assess and respond to new developments in containing the fire.
A community meeting is scheduled for Big Horn and Story residents. Residents are invited to attend on Wednesday, October 9, at 7:00 p.m. The meeting will be held at Big Horn High School to discuss the situation and provide updates.
UPDATE: October 8 at 12:10 p.m.
With 829 personnel on site, firefighters are focusing their efforts on the fire's southern part. They're working to protect nearby communities, the Big Goose municipal watershed, and structures in the Big Goose drainage.
The Elk Fire covers 74,685 acres and is still 10% contained Tuesday morning. The cause was confirmed to be lightning on Monday.
A community meeting for residents in the Bighorn and Story areas is planned for Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. It will be held at Bighorn High School, located at 333 WY-335, Sheridan.
During the meeting, residents will receive updates about the fire and evacuations. Attendees can ask questions and speak with agency representatives and fire managers.
The meeting will be recorded and shared on YouTube and the Bighorn National Forest's Facebook Page, providing broad access to those affected.
UPDATE: October 7 at 10:41 a.m.
The acreage burned remains the same, 72,998, Monday morning. The change comes in containment: Big Horn National Forest said the fire is 10% contained and 680 people are attacking the blaze.
Like on Sunday, the Sheridan County Sheriff will be allowing owners of cabins along Red Grade Road to access the area until 5:00 p.m.Owners wishing to access property must check in with authorities with ID and note no trailers or heavy equipment will be allowed past the closure.
Big Horn National Forest Supervisor Andrew Johnson said at the community meeting on Sunday evening that in the last 100 years in the forest, the largest fire they had seen was roughly 18,000 acres and took a month to grow to that size.
"On Friday night, this fire grew 25,000 acres in a matter of hours," Johnson said. "The wind events are unprecedented. The fuels conditions are unprecedented, and this has been a tough fight."
The forest service said 700 cattle were moved away from the fire Monday morning thanks to multiple agencies and community members.
UPDATE: October 6 at 10:04 a.m.
Nearly 600 personnel are on the scene of the Elk Fire Sunday morning. The latest update from the Big Horn National Forest mapped the fire at 72,998 acres burned without any containment.
A community meeting will be held tonight at the Tongue River Middle School at 7:00 p.m. It will also be recorded and posted to the Big Horn National Forest Facebook page.
With the updated closure of Red Grade Road, the Sheridan County Sheriff's Office is allowed owners of cabins on the road to access their property until 5:00 p.m. today, Sunday, only. Owners wishing to access property must check in with authorities with ID and note no trailers or heavy equipment will be allowed past the closure.
Sheridan County released a map of the latest evacuation orders and notices. The map below is accurate as of Saturday, October 5 at 5:00 p.m.
Download PDF
The most up-to-date notices will be available on the Sheridan County government site.
Sheridan County also said Sunday morning that there is no need for more help with moving cattle at the moment as sufficient drivers have been ready to help move cows that need moving.
UPDATE: October 4 at 10:20 p.m.
The Elk Fire is actively burning in the Bighorn National Forest, presenting significant challenges for local firefighters. The fire has engulfed 55,618 acres as of 6:15 p.m., with active flames on the west side near the Dry Fork drainage.
The northeastern part of the fire remains less active, and firefighters are optimistic about the containment lines holding steady. However, the situation is more concerning on the west, where activity has picked up in the areas surrounding Steamboat Point, particularly near Cutler Creek. Air resources are working to slow its spread toward Highway 14 and nearby structures.
Increased activity south of Highway 14 has necessitated further evacuations at Eaton's Ranch. To combat the blaze, airtankers are deployed to drop fire retardant.
Due to the hazardous conditions,authorities have enacted a hard closure to all traffic, including fire resources, in the affected areas to ensure safety.
The Sheridan County Sheriff's Office announced that the Little Horn Canyon area is now under a "GO" evacuation order, with notifications underway. Little Horn Road is closed south of the Montana state line
Bighorn National Forest Service noted the challenging conditions firefighters face due to extremely dry fuels, low humidity, and forecasted high winds. Fire activity has increased, becoming very visible throughout the area.Incident Commander Casey Cheesbrough provided a video update which can be viewed in the Facebook post below:
This challenging combination of factors has made the fire highly visible throughout the region.
Residents in Sheridan County can now access an updated evacuation map from the local government.
A community meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Tongue River Middle School in Ranchester. Residents are encouraged to attend for the latest updates and safety information.
For those who cannot attend, a recording of the meeting will be posted to the Bighorn National Forest Service Facebook page.
UPDATE: October 4 at 3:17 p.m.
Authorities have updated evacuation notices as they continue efforts to manage the Elk Fire in thearea.
The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office announced changes in evacuation levels and added areas that are now in “Go,” "Set," or "Ready" statuses. This means residents in these areas will see increased law enforcement presence and may be contacted by officers.
"Eaton’s Ranch" has been newly classified in the "Go" evacuation zone.
The "Set" zone now includes areas west of Beckton Road from Dayton, stretching south to the intersection of Beckton Road and Big Goose Road. It also covers the area west of Rapid Creek Road.
The "Ready" zone covers the area west of Bear Gulch Trail to Big Horn Road, Beaver Creek Road to Owl Creek Road, north to Soldier Creek Road, and west to Beckton Road.
Several roads are closed in the area, with access restricted to local residents only. Beckton Hall Road is closed at the intersection with Big Goose Road, Bighorn Road at the intersection of Beaver Creek Road, and Big Goose is closed at the intersection with Beckton Road.
Residents are advised to stay vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement working in the area. See the Facebook post from Sheridan County Government below for more details:
UPDATE: October 4 at 10:36 a.m.
A lightning strike has ignited a wildfire approximately six miles northwest of Dayton, Wyoming, now encompassing 51,115 acres with zero containment reported. Currently, 528 personnel are actively engaged in firefighting efforts.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning starting at noon Friday until Saturday at 6 p.m. Forecasts predict temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s, with humidity in the teens and winds gusting up to 30 mph. These conditions are expected to escalate fire activity, prompting officials to urge the public to keep all county and local roads clear to facilitate access for first responders.
Fire crews have successfully employed bulldozers and unmanned aircraft systems to create firelines and conduct controlled burns aimed at protecting nearby structures. Today, efforts will continue to prepare buildings for defense against the fire, with crews extinguishing hotspots along established firelines.
The safety of both firefighters and the public remains the top priority, with strategies being adapted based on terrain, weather conditions, and response times.
In light of the evolving situation, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office has implemented additional evacuation levels. Residents looking for more information can contact the Sheriff's Office at 307-672-3455. Additionally, US Highway 14 is still closed from Dayton to Burgess Junction; for further road closure updates, please visit the Sheridan County Emergency Management website.
UPDATE: October 3 at 8:07 a.m.
The Elk Fire's InciWeb page shows its size to be at 49,555 acres burned. There was a community meeting Wednesday night at the Tongue River Middle School.
Operations Section Chief Brian Cresto told the crowd he's been working with fires for 30 years. "This is the latest, most active fire I've ever seen, and I go on a lot of fires," Cresto said.
Communities across Wyoming and Montana are rallying together to support those evacuating.
The Lazy R Campground and Cabins in Ranchester has offered people with campers who are evacuating for the fire to stay at one of their 16 RV sites for free. That campground can be reached at (888) 655-9284 and asks for a call before arriving to confirm their availability.
Tipi Creek Coffee Co. is accepting donationslike snacks, water, Gatorade, and hygiene products to distribute to those displaced by the fire.
The Ignite Wesleyan Church is holding a prayer on Friday, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. and invites the community to join them at 404 West Brudage Ln.
The Bighorn National Forest has expanded its Closure Order for firefighter and public safety. The area now closed stretches from north of the Red Grade Road to Highway 26, north to Highway 14, and east of the Medicine Wheel Ranger District to the Tongue Ranger District.
Hot and windy weather is forecasted to start Friday afternoon and likely continue through Saturday. This may cause increased fire activity and spread.
Significant fire growth occurred recently, with crews focusing on the southern end to slow its progress. Helicopters were actively dropping water, complemented by airtankers completing retardant drops on the southeast side to protect structures and resources.
At this time, the fire has not crossed into Montana.
UPDATE: October 2 at 10:14 a.m.
The lightning-caused Elk Fire has prompted additional evacuations roughly 6 miles northwest of Dayton. The fire has burned 32,096 acres with no containment Wednesday morning.
A community meeting is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Tongue River Middle School in Ranchester. This meeting will be recorded and shared on the U.S. Forest Service Bighorn National Forest’s Facebook page. It was previously set to be held at the Tongue River High School, however, has been moved for community safety.
Evacuations
The Sheridan County sheriff issued evacuations for areas including Pass Creek Road, Twin Creek Road west of Parkman, and Tongue River Canyon west of Dayton.
Additionally, Parkman and residents north of Parkman near Highway 345 up to the Montana state line have been put under a pre-evacuation notice.
Eagle Ridge and the residences directly adjacent to the east of Highway 14 are under a warning to evacuate and are asked to take the time now to gather important items that should be taken if notified to evacuate.
Highway 14 remains closed from Dayton to Burgess Junction.
There is an evacuation center being set up at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds at 1753 Victoria St., Sheridan, Wyo., The Forest Service said. This evacuation center will take large and small animals as well as have the ability to house people. If you have been evacuated, you may bring your camper to the fairgrounds as well. Please ensure you check in with staff upon arrival.
Fire activity
The fire remained active moving northeast overnight. Today, firefighting efforts will focus on direct and indirect strategies. Crews will improve roads and firelines in the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern areas. The southern area will be scouted for fireline placement. Air resources will assist ground operations as weather permits.
Firefighter and public safety are priorities. Operations will depend on terrain,fire and weather conditions, and medical response time.
UPDATE October 1 at 9:22 a.m.
The Elk Fire, located about six miles northwest of Dayton, Wyoming, has burned 25,085 acres since it started on Friday, September 27, 2024, due to lightning.
The fire is currently 0% contained. Under the command of Incident Commander Matt Weakland and the Wyoming Type 3 Team, firefighters continue their efforts to build fire lines where conditions allow.
Key local routes remain closed due to the fire. Highway 14 is closed from Dayton to Burgess Junction. Sheridan County has also closed Pass Creek Road, Twin Creek, Smith Creek Road, and Tongue River Canyon Road. Evacuations are ongoing, and those seeking more information can contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office at307-672-3455 or Sheridan County Emergency Management at 307-752-2174.
Firefighters will continue to use air resources to assist their efforts today, adapting their tactics based on terrain, fire and weather conditions, and medical response times.
UPDATE September 30 at 6:00 p.m.
The Sheridan County government says all the previous evacuation notices/orders are still in effect at this time.
They shared that Tongue River High School in Dayton will be closed Tuesday, October 1st due to fire-related concerns. School staff are getting in touch with families to discuss online class options for the day. No other schools in the area are being impacted at this time.
The county says they will continue to share update to their Facebook page as new information becomes available.
BIGHORN NATIONAL FOREST, Wyo. – The Elk Fire, which began on Friday, September 27, has already grown significantly and is now affecting local communities.
According to the Wyoming Type III Team and Incident Commander Matt Weakland, the fire, caused by lightning, is approximately 6 miles northwest of Dayton.
The DNRC map showed the fire at 2,762 acres burned on Sunday evening, but as of Monday morning, it shows the fire has spread to 22,410 acres. High winds hindered air operations for several hours, causing the fire to spread at least 8 miles south overnight.
Evacuations have been issued along Pass Creek and Sheridan County Road 144, which is now closed to non-resident traffic. As of Monday morning, some out-building structures have likely been lost, the Forest Service said. Local law enforcement and firefighters are working with the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office to notify property owners of any structural losses.
Road Closures
Sheridan County Sheriff Levi Dominguez has implemented multiple road closures due to safety concerns. These include:
- Highway 14 (between Dayton and Burgess Junction)
- Pass Creek Road, County Road 144 (from the intersection of Highway 345 and Pass Creek Road)
- Twin Creek Road (access off Railway Avenue in Parkman)
- Smith Creek Road (intersection of Highway 343 and Smith Creek Road)
- Tongue Canyon Road (at the River Road)
Evacuations
All residents west of the intersection of Tongue Canyon Road and on Amsden Road have been ordered to evacuate immediately.
As of 3:00 p.m. on Monday, September 30,evacuations or “go” is being ordered for all of the Horseshoe subdivision west of Dayton, Sheridan County said.
Dayton is not currently under any evacuation orders.
Dayton High School Closure
In light of the Elk Fire, Sheridan County Government announced that Dayton High School would close at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, September 30, as a precautionary measure. While Dayton itself is not currently under evacuation orders, the county continues to use the “Ready, Set, Go” evacuation model to ensure public safety.
Sheridan County will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as needed to keep residents informed and safe. Stay tuned for further information and adhere to local authorities' instructions.
