WHP Lieutenant asks for patience as Elk Fire impacts travel in area

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Erik Jorgensen called into Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse while performing his duties from the highway near the Elk Fire. 

Jorgensen said he and the team battling the blaze and the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office appreciate the reduction in traffic. Traffic became a problem in the area as some motorists wishing to see the fire congested roadways as residents were attempting to evacuate and fire teams were moving into the area. 

With evacuation statuses recently reduced in some areas, Jorgensen said residents are beginning to return and assess the damage.  

Lt. E. Jorgensen

The Lieutenant recommends double checking evacuation status before attempting to return to homes and properties to ensure that residents are not moving into a dangerous area. 

WHP has been assisting the SCSO with evacuations and door to door visits. Jorgensen also confirmed with Sheridan Media that an early morning car accident that took the lives of two people was not related to the Elk Fire or fire related traffic. 

Lt. E. Jorgensen

The Lieutenant and his team will continue to assist with fire operations and patrol the highways assisting residents. Jorgensen asks the community, visiting motorists and hunters for patience as the impact of this fire is unlike anything he has witnessed in the area. 

Lt. E. Jorgensen

The newest evacuation map can be found at the Sheridan County Emergency Management website, Sheridan County (sheridancountywy.gov).