GILLETTE, Wyo. — An uncontained, lightning-caused wildfire continues to burn in the Bighorn Mountains, with fire crews estimating its size at 22,000 acres Monday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
The Elk Fire is located approximately 6 miles northwest of Dayton and started Friday following a suspected lightning strike. As of Sept. 30, there are seven hand crews, three engines, three helicopters and an air tanker working to suppress the fire, the Forest Service says.
Per the latest update, air operations are underway with aircraft deploying retardant in locations where success is highest. Helicopter operations are paused due to high winds while fire crews continue to focus on structure protection along the face of the mountain and along Pass Creek toward Dayton.
As of Sept. 30, a Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered to take over command and Wyoming Type III will remain in place until a transition can occur. Fire suppression efforts are focused on protecting critical values at risk including firefighter and civilian safety, lands and property outside National Forest lands, two cow camps and a radio repeater site, the update states.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation has closed Highway 14 from Dayton to Burgess Junction to all public travel. Sheridan County has closed Pass Creek Road, Twin Creek, Smith Creek Road and Tongue River Canyon Road to non-resident travel, per the Forest Service.
Bighorn National Forest is closed along the northern portion of the Tongue Ranger District north of highways 14 and 14A to protect firefighter and visitor safety.
