GILLETTE, Wyo. — The Short Draw Fire, burning roughly 30 miles north of Gillette, is now 65% contained as hundreds of firefighters continue work to quell the wildfire.
According to reports, a fire line has been successfully established along the east, north and west perimeters of the fire, with a few remaining sections expected to turn black by the end of today. Crews are concentrating efforts on the south end, working to secure a solid control line.
Mop-up and suppression efforts are ongoing, with teams working to extend control line efforts 200 feet into the fire area. North of 3 Bar Road, a significant unburned section of forest remains under close observation, with crews actively monitoring to ensure it doesn’t ignite.
Coal seams within the fire perimeter are being closely monitored and mapped, as the underground deposits can smolder for extended periods and pose a risk for flare-ups. Meanwhile, excavators, dozers and road graders have begun repairing and rehabilitating previously constructed dozer contingency lines across the fire area to mitigate further impact and to restore the landscape.
