Single Publication

Elk Fire Update

Monday, October 28, 2024 – 9:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1

Dan Dallas, Incident Commander

Special Notes: Today will be the last shift of the Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1, led by Incident Commander Dan Dallas. Command of the Elk Fire will be transferred to the Wyoming Interagency Incident Management Type 3 Team, led by Incident Commander Jon Warder, at 7 a.m. Tuesday. Some personnel will be retained from the current team to implement a smooth transition and complete fire objectives. 

A community meeting will take place today at 6 p.m. at the Sheridan Junior High School located at 500 Lewis Street. The meeting will be recorded and posted to Facebook and virtual connection will be available through Facebook live streaming at: https://www.facebook.com/bighornnf. 

Current Situation: Yesterday, firefighters were prepared for elevated fire behavior, which did occur, and resulted in active burning with a pronounced smoke column near Soldier Creek (Division H). Firefighters received helicopter support through water drops, which lowered fire intensity. In Division D/F, uncontained fireline was completed resulting in an increase in containment to 82%. Firefighters also continued suppression repair activities aided by heavy equipment with about 50% of dozer line rehabilitation now finished. Beginning tonight, weather conditions will squelch fire activity as snow and rain totals could be as high as 14 inches and 1 inch, respectively, by Wednesday. While conditions allow, firefighters will be working to complete imminent tasks and secure unresolved tasks for possible resumption after the storm or next spring.   

Division A: Aircraft patrol of this unstaffed division is ongoing.  

Divisions Z, P, M, K, I: Suppression Repair in Division I was completed yesterday and was ongoing in other divisions. Due to the arriving winter storm, outstanding work will remain after today in both Divisions M/P and K. Firefighters will focus on completing tasks where they can and securing incomplete work.  

Division H: The active burning of an unburned interior island resulted in more pronounced smoke and required water drops by helicopters to cool flames. This increased fire activity validated the importance of the shaded fuel break work on the Red Grade Road and Forest Road 26, which will continue as weather permits today.   

Divisions D, F: Containment increased on the north end and suppression repair was completed on contained fireline. Work on Forest Road 15 continues as firefighters strive to connect uncontained fireline.   

Weather, Fuels, and Fire Behavior: Today, clouds will move in, and temperatures will be cooler with a 30% chance of precipitation rising to 80% overnight. In advance of the winter storm, and for the bulk of the day, humidity will be in the 35-40%, range, temperatures will vary by elevation at 40-50 degrees, and winds will be 7-12 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. Overall, fire activity will be lessened from yesterday although some activity is possible if sunlight persists long enough to warm dry fine fuels near a heat source. 

Closures and Advisories: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Elk Fire. Wildfires are a no-fly zone for unauthorized aircraft, including drones. If you fly, we can’t.  For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org. 

Red Grade Road is closed. US Highway 14 between Burgess Junction and Dayton is open, restrictions are in place for some commercial vehicles based on weight and size. Additional information is at: https://www.wyroad.info/. 

Bighorn National Forest closure Order No. 02-02-06-24-08 remains in effect. The order and map can be viewed here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/bighorn/alerts-notices. 

Elk Fire Statistics: Size: 98,352 acres   |   Containment: 82%   |   Total Personnel: 449 |   Location: West of Sheridan, WY 

Reported: September 27, 2024   |   Cause: lightning