Elk Fire Update – October 10, 2024

Elk Fire Update – October 10, 2024
Rocky Mountain Area Complex Incident Management Team 3
Casey Cheesbrough, Incident Commander

• Size: 76,378 acres (409-acre increase)
• Total Personnel: 902
• Containment: 15 percent
• Cause: Lightning
• Resources: 10 helicopters, 21 crews, 63 engines, 8 dozers, 12 water tenders, 5 masticators, 1 skidder

Key Messages:

The recording of last night’s community meeting at Big Horn High School is available for viewing on the Elk Fire YouTube channel here and on the Bighorn National Forest’s Facebook Page.

The percent containment reported has decreased from 16 percent to 15 percent due to recent fire growth. Percent containment reflects the portion of the fire perimeter that is surrounded by a control line. The current fire perimeter is 225 miles, with 34 miles having contained fire lines.

Current Situation:

Overnight, the fire crossed the Big Goose River on the southern end. The night crew anticipated this forward progression and completed firing operations to introduce low-intensity fire to reduce the fuel load. Today, the day shift will continue to patrol and mop up hotspots.

Residents in Sheridan, Beckton, Bighorn, or Story may have noticed increased fire activity and smoke yesterday. High winds, temperatures, and low humidity caused active fire conditions on the west side, with similar activity expected today. The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team continues strategic firing operations on the northern and southern edges of the fire to remove fuels and limit fire intensity.

On the fire’s northern side, a hotshot crew conducted additional firing operations, supported by aerial fire retardant drops near 144 Road. Crews will continue to prepare the area to protect Little Bighorn Canyon. The established containment line on the northeastern fire perimeter is holding with minimal heat detected.

On the southeastern and southern fire areas, crews are mopping up and patrolling, building control lines, and preparing for further firing and aerial operations. Road graders are preparing the Red Grade Road.

In the Burgess Junction area, structure protection measures are in place with additional pumps and sprinklers being installed today. Firefighters remain on standby to protect structures and conduct defensive firing if necessary.

Weather & Fire Behavior:

A cold front is moving in today, bringing cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and shifting winds to the northwest. While these conditions will increase fire activity and smoke on the west side, the cooler conditions are unlikely to reduce fire behavior in timbered areas. Vegetation remains highly flammable. For air quality and smoke information, visit AirNow.

Evacuations and Closures:

No changes to evacuation levels in Sheridan County. For more information, view the evacuation map and news releases on the Sheridan County Emergency Management website: tinyurl.com/2s38bcc5 or contact the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office (307-672-3455) or Sheridan County Emergency Management (307-752-2174).

Bighorn National Forest Lands around the Elk Fire remain closed under Order 02-02-06-24-08. View the order and map on the forest’s Alerts page.

Road Closures:

• US Highway 14 is closed at Granite Pass/Hunt Mountain Road/FS 10 (milepost 38.3).
• US Highway 14A is closed at Hunt Mountain Road/FS10 (milepost 85.6).
• For road closure updates, visit Wyoming Department of Transportation.

Soft Closures (roads closed to the public except local residents):

• All of Pass Creek Road to the Wyoming/Montana state line
• All of Beckton Road
• Slack Road at the Wyoming/Montana state line
• Soldier Creek Road West from the Wolf Creek and Soldier Creek Road Intersection
• Little Horn Canyon Road
• Big Goose Road from the Intersection of Big Goose Road and Beckton Road
• Twin Creek Road at the Parkman Access
• Rapid Creek Road
• Columbus Creek Road
• Beckton Hall Road
• Smith Creek Road
• Big Horn Road
• Tongue Canyon Road
• Little Goose Canyon Road

Hard Closures (no public access):

• All of Red Grade Road

Evacuation Shelter:

An emergency shelter has been established at the fairgrounds in Sheridan and can accommodate people, campers, and animals. To make arrangements, call 307-752-2174 or 307-683-6965.

Elk Fire Information:

• Phone: 307-303-7642 (8 am to 8 pm)
• Email: 2024.Elk@firenet.gov
• Linktree: linktr.ee/2024ElkFire