Firefighters Continue Progress on Elk Fire Containment

Size: about 84,000 Acres Containment: 32%

Crews battling the Elk Fire are making steady progress, focusing on securing containment lines and monitoring existing ones. On the eastern edge of the fire, firefighters are diligently patrolling and extinguishing any remaining hot spots near the perimeter.  Southeast of this area, crews are actively working near Crystal Springs to build and reinforce containment lines directly at the fire’s edge.  With containment efforts progressing, firefighters are beginning to remove excess equipment and supplies from the eastern side to be redeployed to other active areas around the fire.

Favorable Weather Aids Firefighting Efforts

Cooler temperatures and increased humidity yesterday helped moderate fire behavior, allowing firefighters to conduct strategic firing operations. These operations involve intentionally setting controlled burns to remove fuel and slow the fire’s spread.  High humidity overnight, coupled with cloud cover and cooler, moister air today, is expected to lessen fire activity, particularly in grassy areas. However, forested areas remain very dry, and active fire behavior is still anticipated. Both the wildfire itself and the firing operations may generate significant smoke. Residents and those nearby can monitor air quality conditions by visiting airnow.gov.

Evacuations and Closures Remain in Effect

There were no changes to Sheridan County evacuation levels on Thursday. However, several county roads near the fire remain closed.  For the latest evacuation map, road closures, and news releases, please visit the Sheridan County Emergency Management website at tinyurl.com/2s38bcc5 or contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office (307-672-3455) or Sheridan County Emergency Management (307-752-2174). An emergency shelter for people, campers, and animals is available at the Sheridan County Fairgrounds.  To make arrangements, call 307-752-2174 or 307-683-6965.

Additionally, Bighorn National Forest lands surrounding the Elk Fire are closed under Order 02-02-06-24-08.  To view the order and map, visit: 

fs.usda.gov/alerts/bighorn/alerts-notices.

Travelers should be aware that US Highway 14 is closed at Granite Pass/Hunt Mountain Road/FS 10 (milepost 38.3) and US Highway 14A is closed at Hunt Mountain Road/FS10 (milepost 85.6).  For a current Wyoming Department of Transportation road closure map, visit wyoroad.info.

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