Single Publication

Key Message 

The Montana DNRC County Assist Team, led by Incident Commander David Hamilton assumed command of the Short Draw Fire at 6 a.m. this morning. The fire is currently 40,000 acres and is actively burning on Wyoming state, Montana state, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and privately-owned lands. The primary objectives of fire mitigation efforts is to protect homes and grazing rangelands. The goal is to minimize wildfire damage to these areas, ensuring the safety of human life and preservation of natural resources. 

Current Status 

On Wednesday, September 11, local government and multiple agencies responded to the Short Draw Fire located approximately 30 miles north of Gillette, Wyoming. The fire originated in northern Campbell County, Wyoming and rapidly spread into spread into Powder River County, Montana by Wednesday evening.  

Today, hand crews, engine crews and dozers are creating control lines around the eastern and northern edge. Along the northwest edge of the fire crews conducted a burnout operation by intentionally setting a controlled fire to consume fuel ahead of advancing flames, creating a barrier to stop the forward spread of fire on the northwestern edge. The southern edge of the fire in Wyoming remains active. Structure protection has been ongoing from the beginning and will continue until secure. The power company has been on location repairing and replacing power lines and poles. 

Weather and Fire Behavior 

Today’s weather will have a high of 75-80 degrees with a low around 47 degrees. Northerly winds from 10 to 10 mph during the day will shift to the south after midnight. On Saturday, expect sunny weather conditions with a high near 82 degrees and southerly winds from 7 to 11 mph becoming westerly in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 16 mph throughout the day. Due to multiple wind shifts, predicting the fire's spread direction remains challenging.  

Evacuations And Closures 

Powder River County, Montana, has issued an Evacuation Warning for residents east of Buffalo Cr all the way to Butte Cr Rd, from the state line to the Powder River. 

Campbell County, Wyoming, has issued an Evacuation Notice for the residents of Border Line Estates/Ranchets are advised to evacuate.  

There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the fire area. For the safety for firefighting pilots, do not fly unmanned aerial systems in the area.