DAYTON, Wyo. — Although successful containment efforts and fortunate weather had already significantly slowed the Elk Fire’s growth in the past week, the Bighorn National Forest announced that today is officially the end of prospective growth.
With that news, many of the emergency procedures put in place by the U.S. Forest Service and Sheridan County government are starting to revert and some sense of normalcy is returning, although it will take much longer for the 96,935 acres burnt across northern Wyoming to heal.
The Sheridan County Government Facebook page announced today that all evacuation orders are rescinded. The families living in the many homes and ranches dotting the hills are now legally allowed by the county to return to them.
That does not necessarily mean all roads are back open, though. The following roads remain closed:
- Twin Creek Road beginning at Parkman Access
- Smith Creek Road
- Tongue Canyon Road
- Amsden Road
- Little Goose Canyon Road
- PK Lane
Further into the Bighorns, the U.S. Forest Service said in its Oct. 25 update that Red Grade Road and County Road 89 south of Dayton also remain closed.
The county announced that today marks the final day it will be providing daily updates on the Elk Fire.
“We extend our gratitude to the residents of Sheridan County for staying informed and for their cooperation with evacuation orders and road closures during this emergency,” the county said in the statement.
What the Bighorn National Forest statement said about limited fire growth also means that the federal government will start transitioning resources and responsibilities back over to the local authorities. Before the U.S. Forest Service really begins wrapping up, though, another community meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 28 at Sheridan Junior High School.
Operations for ground crews continue around the fire’s perimeter. While precipitation, which dropped about 1–3 inches of snow in higher elevations, always helps in dampening flames and the ground, it also presents mobility trouble for firefighters. An incoming warming trend might help with that.
As the region dries out, smoldering and smoke activity may increase. That doesn’t necessarily mean fire growth, though, as fire lines grow and strengthen every day.
The Elk Fire is still active, despite the limited growth. To keep track of fire activity and the ongoing efforts of the firefighting crews, see the Bighorn National Forest Facebook page.