GILLETTE, Wyo. — County authorities will take over management of the Short Draw Fire, with full containment and control estimated by the end of the day Friday, according to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
As of the latest and final update, Sept. 20 is the last day DNRC will manage the Short Draw Fire, with Campbell County and Montana’s Powder River County assuming command at 6 a.m. Sept. 21 to continue monitoring efforts.
Excavators, dozers and road graders continued repairing and rehabilitating contingency lines that were previously constructed while firefighters patrolled to mitigate any residual heat near the control lines, DNRC says.
Resources have and will continue to be demobilized through the end of the day, though crews will investigate and extinguish hot spots using infrared data and heavy equipment will continue repairing contingency lines, ensuring the stabilization of the soil and reducing erosion risks, per DNRC
“This process aims to restore the landscape to its natural state by minimizing environmental impacts and promoting the regrowth of native vegetation,” the update states.
The Short Draw Fire began on Sept. 11. It has since consumed nearly 35,000 acres, destroying 36 structures — including 31 outbuildings and five homes — with no injuries reported.
“We are relieved that no lives were lost, and we are grateful for the incredible teamwork that ensured residents were able to evacuate safely,” Campbell County Fire Chief Jeff Bender said in a previous statement. “We are deeply saddened by the loss of homes, grazing lands, and the disruption to lives. Our hearts go out to everyone affected, and we stand united with the community during this difficult time.”
The cause of the Short Draw Fire remains undetermined as of Sept. 20.
