Fire Officials Urging Caution While Red Flag Warning Is In Effect

Sheridan County fire officials are urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution as critical fire weather conditions continue across the area.

County volunteer fire departments responded to two wildfires on Thursday, September 3rd, both caused by sparks from vehicles.

The largest fire occurred near Parkman along Highway 345 and was contained at 3.1 acres.

Tongue River Fire District responded to the Parkman area fire with assistance from Dayton Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, Padlock Ranch, and several nearby residents.

“We would like to thank Dayton Fire, the U.S. Forest Service, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office, Padlock Ranch and the nearby residents who assisted today,” Tongue River Fire Chief Jeff Barron said. “Their quick response and cooperation helped prevent this fire from becoming a much larger incident.”

A Red Flag Warning is in effect, and critical fire weather conditions are expected again Friday (September 4th).

Hot temperatures, very low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds can allow even a small spark to quickly develop into a fast-moving wildfire.

“Today’s fires are a good example of just how quickly something as simple as a spark from a vehicle can start a wildfire under these conditions,” Sheridan County Emergency Management Coordinator Jesse Ludikhuize said. “We are asking everyone to be especially careful over the next several days. A few simple precautions can make a big difference and help prevent our firefighters from having to respond to a fire that could have been avoided.”

Drivers should avoid parking or driving through tall, dry grass, make sure trailer chains are secured and are not dragging on the roadway, and use extra caution with any activity that could produce sparks.

Anyone operating vehicles, machinery, or other equipment in dry vegetation should keep a working fire extinguisher nearby and be prepared to quickly extinguish a small fire before it has an opportunity to spread.

With the Labor Day weekend approaching, fire officials are asking everyone to do their part to prevent human-caused fires and help keep local firefighters from responding to incidents that can be avoided.

Report any wildfire immediately by calling 911.