Elk Fire Update

According to the Bighorn National Forest Service, the Elk fire is at 25,085 acres as of Monday night. Fire managers observed a decrease in fire activity as the wind calmed during the evening. The crews worked to secure the north and east portions of the fire ahead of the forecasted wind shift out of the southwest over the next couple of days. This is the typical wind pattern for the area. The fire burning just west of the town of Dayton remains at zero percent containment. The Elk Fire was reported Friday, September 27 near the Riley Point and West Pass areas of the Bighorn National Forest.  Lightning is the suspected cause of the fire.

Fire crews continue to focus on structures protection along the face of the mountain along Pass Creek towards Dayton. A Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered to take over command of the fire. Wyoming Type III will remain in place until a transition can occur. The objective, according to the Forest Service, is to protect critical values at risk.  These values include firefighter and public safety, lands and property off National Forest Lands, two cow camps and a radio repeater site. Out-building structures have likely been lost, evacuations have been ordered homes and subdivisions in the vicinity of the fire.

WYDOT has closed highway 14 from Dayton  to Burgess Junction to all public travel. Sheridan County has closed Pass Creek Road, Twin Creek, Smith Creek Road, and Tongue River Canyon Road to non-resident travel. The Forest Closure Order has been updated. The northern portion of the Tongue Ranger District north of highways 14 and 14a is closed. This order is being put in place to protect firefighter and visitor safety. The area is being heavily used by firefighters, including large equipment.