BUFFALO, Wyo. — Johnson County officials are urging some residents to prepare for possible evacuations as the Elk Fire moves closer.
On Saturday afternoon, Johnson County Emergency Management and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office declared that they were entering the “ready” phase of “ready, set, go” evacuation preparedness for the southern portion of Story and the Wagon Box area.
Under the “ready” status, residents in impacted areas are encouraged to:
- Make sure they are receiving local and regional emergency notifications.
- Connect with their local emergency management office, sheriff’s office and public health department on social media.
- Make a family evacuation and communication plan that includes family phone numbers, out-of-town contacts and family meeting locations.
- Build an emergency kit with enough food, water and necessary other essential supplies for at least 72 hours. People should make sure to include supplies to help keep their family healthy, such as face coverings, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
- Check with neighbors, family and friends to ensure they are also ready.
- Keep up to date on local news, weather watches, weather warnings and public health recommendations.
At time of publication, the Elk Fire is moving south toward Johnson County, though Big Horn National Forest officials report that it currently remains a safe distance from Johnson County. The fire spans 84,328 acres and is roughly 32% contained, according to the Bureau of Land Management.