CASPER, Wyo. — The Elk Fire burning in the Bighorn National Forest near Dayton is now at 89,315 acres, with area residents now told to evacuate as a safety precaution to make room for more activity by fire crews.
According to the Monday morning report at InciWeb, the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office says residents in the Poverty Flats area have been moved to “go” status, while others to the north have been changed from “ready” to “set.”
“These changes are due to potential nearby strategic firing operations and increases of personnel, resources and equipment in these areas,” the sheriff’s office said. More information can be found at the Sheridan County Emergency Management website.
Crews implemented strategic firing operations south of the main fire on Sunday to reduce fuels and slow the spread and intensity, they said. Firing operations have started along the Red Grade Road and headed north. Crews also continue to protect structures and clear flammable debris in the Poverty Flats area.
Firefighters are expecting increased fire activity today as temperatures rise and humidity decreases. A total of 944 personnel are working on the fire, which was first reported on Sept. 27 and is about 27% contained, they said.
