InciWeb
Wildfire
Prescribed Fire
Burned Area
Response
Other
The Elk Fire burning near Riley Point and West Pass on the Bighorn National Forest has grown to approximately 415 acres as of 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024. Lightning strikes were recorded in the general area over that last ten days making it the suspected cause of the fire. Air attack and ground crews have responded, which included retardant and bucket drops from air tankers and a helicopter. Hand crews are on scene and more resources will be arriving over the next few days.
The Elk Fire is burning in heavy dead and down timber. The terrain is rough and remote making it challenging for firefighters to get in or out of the incident. There are two nearby cow camps. A closure order for the area is being developed to protect the safety of firefighters and our visitors traveling Forest roads and trails.
| Current as of | Fri, 09/27/2024 - 21:44 |
|---|---|
| Incident Time Zone | America/Denver |
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | |
| Location | Bighorn National Forest |
| Incident Commander | Bighorn National Forest, USDA Forest Service |
| Incident Description | The Elk Fire burning near Riley Point and West Pass on the Bighorn National Forest has grown to approximately 415 acres as of 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024. Lightning strikes were recorded in the general area over that last ten days making it the suspected cause of the fire. Air attack and ground crews have responded, which included retardant and bucket drops from air tankers and a helicopter. Hand crews are on scene and more resources will be arriving over the next few days. The Elk Fire is burning in heavy dead and down timber. The terrain is rough and remote making it challenging for firefighters to get in or out of the incident. There are two nearby cow camps. A closure order for the area is being developed to protect the safety of firefighters and our visitors traveling Forest roads and trails. |
| Coordinates |
44° 53' 49.6'' Latitude
-107° 33' 59.51
'' Longitude
|
| Size | 415 Acres |
|---|---|
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 0% |
| Fuels Involved | The Elk Fire burning near Riley Point and West Pass on the Bighorn National Forest has grown to approximately 415 acres as of 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024. Lightning strikes were recorded in the general area over that last ten days making it the suspected cause of the fire. Air attack and ground crews have responded, which included retardant and bucket drops from air tankers and a helicopter. Hand crews are on scene and more resources will be arriving over the next few days. The Elk Fire is burning in heavy dead and down timber. The terrain is rough and remote making it challenging for firefighters to get in or out of the incident. There are two nearby cow camps. A closure order for the area is being developed to protect the safety of firefighters and our visitors traveling Forest roads and trails. |
| Significant Events | The Elk Fire burning near Riley Point and West Pass on the Bighorn National Forest has grown to approximately 415 acres as of 5:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2024. Lightning strikes were recorded in the general area over that last ten days making it the suspected cause of the fire. Air attack and ground crews have responded, which included retardant and bucket drops from air tankers and a helicopter. Hand crews are on scene and more resources will be arriving over the next few days. The Elk Fire is burning in heavy dead and down timber. The terrain is rough and remote making it challenging for firefighters to get in or out of the incident. There are two nearby cow camps. A closure order for the area is being developed to protect the safety of firefighters and our visitors traveling Forest roads and trails. |