The Elk Fire has burned more than 75,000 acres and reportedly began with a lightning strike.
Two separate wildfires are currently burning in the state of Wyoming. There are 1,000 firefighters working to contain the Elk Fire in Bighorn National Forest and the Pack Trail Fire in Bridger-Teton National Forest, which cover over 100,000 acres combined. The U.S. Forest Service announced the Elk Fire, which has been burning for almost two weeks, was 16 percent contained as of Tuesday evening.
Regarding the Elk Fire, USFS Incident Commander Casey Cheesbrough stated, “Containment on the northeastern side of the fire increased from 10 percent to 16 percent yesterday. A containment line in a wildland fire is a barrier that prevents the fire from spreading.“
He continued, “On the southeastern and southern parts of the fire, mop up and patrolling continues in the Crystal Springs area. Firefighting crews will continue to build additional control lines and prepare areas for potential low-intensity, strategic firing operations that would protect the watershed and associated water-treatment plant structures.“
The western side of the Elk Fire is reportedly uncontained. Several highways and county roads have been closed due to the fire.
The Department of Agriculture issued a disaster declaration over the state and Governor Mark Gordon issued an emergency transport order lifting restrictions for cargo size to protect livestock and the agricultural industry. Evacuations have been ordered in certain counties.
In late summer this year, Wyoming also experienced the House Draw Fire that burned 175,000 acres.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Forest Service Chief Randy Moore to be discerning as he oversees efforts to fight the wildfires.
- For USFS officials and commanders as they work with state and local firefighters to contain the fires.
- For the residents, ranchers, and business owners in Wyoming as they seek to preserve their homes and industries from the wildfires.
Sources: Vice, Oil City News, Times Now Digital, U.S. Forest Service
