Due to the rapidly changing conditions of the Elk Fire which is now over 32,000 acres have issued evacuation orders  for the following areas:

• Pass Creek Road and Twin Creek Road west of Parkman
• Tongue River Canyon west of Dayton, where the pavement turns to dirt
• X-X Ranch North to the Mt State Line, Please evacuate.

Residents in the area of the Horseshoe Subdivision

Residents in these areas are required to evacuate immediately. Emergency personnel have contacted all affected residents directly.
In addition, town of Parkman residents and residents north of Parkman, on both the east and west sides of Highway 345, up to the Montana state line are now under a pre-evacuation or “Ready” notice. This does not include the Hersey Road area. Residents in this “Ready” stage should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Emergency personnel have contacted all affected residents directly.
The Town of Dayton is NOT under a pre-evacuation notice or “ready” status at this time.
School Closures:

• Tongue River High School is closed today (October 2, 2024). All students and staff have been notified by school administration.
• Slack School is also closed.

Fire Update:
A public meeting with the new Incident Management Team (IMT) overseeing the Elk Fire will be held at Tongue River High School in Dayton tonight at 7 o’clock. This in-person meeting will be recorded and published later by the IMT. They will be available to answer questions and address public concerns related to the fire. Further details will be shared by the IMT as they become available.

 Sheridan County Emergency Management reports that six non-primary residential structures have been destroyed by the fire. These structures include barns, outhouses, and other non-primary residential buildings. All affected property owners have been notified by emergency personnel. One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday and is currently receiving treatment.

 The new IMT assumed operational control of the Elk Fire last night (Tuesday). Moving forward, all updates and information will come from the IMT.
If you need boarding for your dogs. Country Pet Inn is offering free boarding for your dogs. 

Wildlife Alert:
Due to the fire’s expansion, wildlife has been increasingly spotted in new areas. Please be cautious while driving and remain alert for animals on the road.
Available parking for trailers, campers, and extra vehicles for anyone affected by the fire.

The Town of Ranchester has a large parking area next to the baseball field that is available. The area is under video surveillance. Please leave your phone number visible on anything that doesn’t have a current registration displayed.
Call (307)461-2694 if you have any questions or need directions.
Those needing a place to take livestock or a place to stay in a camper may evacuate to the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. If you need a place to stay and you are evacuated, please contact Sheridan County Emergency Management. We will work with any resident that has pets to ensure they are also sheltered.

HEALTH INFORMATION… The Wyoming Department of Health recommends the elderly, young children, and individuals with respiratory problems avoid excessive physical exertion and minimize outdoor activities during this time. Wildfire smoke is made up of a variety of pollutants, including particulate matter and ozone, which can cause respiratory health effects. Although these people are most susceptible to health impacts, the Department of Health also advises that everyone should avoid prolonged exposure to poor air quality conditions.

Community Support:
Sheridan County deeply appreciates the community’s support in the fight against the Elk Fire. However, no donations of food or supplies are needed for firefighters or emergency personnel at this time.
For additional information, continue to follow updates from the Incident Management Team and Sheridan County Emergency Management.
Conditions are changing rapidly. We encourage everyone to monitor the Sheridan County Facebook page and the Sheridan County website for the most up-to-date information.
Thank you for your cooperation as we work to ensure the safety of all residents.
Sheridan County Emergency Management
Phone: 307-752-2174
Sheridan County Web Site: www.sheridancountywy.gov