Draft:Elk Fire, Wyoming 2024
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Overview
[edit]- Start Date: September 30, 2024
- Location: Approximately 6 miles northwest of Dayton, Wyoming, in the Bighorn National Forest.
- Cause: Initially reported to have started from a lightning strike, though there was some contention with social media posts suggesting it might have resulted from a controlled burn that got out of control.
- Size: By October 6, 2024, the fire had expanded to over 74,000 acres.
- Containment: As of the last major update, the fire had 0% containment with signs of hope for control as reported on social media platforms.
Impact
[edit]- Structures and Evacuations: The fire led to the evacuation of several areas, including residents along Pass Creek Road, Tongue Canyon Road, Amsden Road, and the Horseshoe Subdivision.
- Environmental: The Elk Fire caused significant smoke plumes visible from Sheridan, WY, impacting local air quality. The fire's progression through diverse fuel types, from grass to timber, posed challenges for containment efforts.
Firefighting Efforts
[edit]- Personnel: Over 500 personnel were engaged in firefighting operations.
- Challenges: Firefighters faced difficulties due to high winds, low relative humidity, and the rugged terrain of the Bighorn Mountains. The fire's behavior was particularly active in what's known as the thermal belt, where fire spread does not cease overnight.
Public Response and Information
[edit]- Public Meetings: A public meeting was organized at Tongue River High School in Dayton to update residents on the fire's status and management plans.
- Media and Social Media: Local media, including Wyoming Public Media, provided ongoing coverage. Social media platforms, particularly X, saw posts regarding the fire's progression, containment issues, and the debate over its origin.
Weather Influence
[edit]The weather played a critical role in the fire's behavior, with forecasts predicting continued warm, dry conditions, exacerbating the spread. Winds were expected to shift, potentially affecting fire direction and intensity.
Closure and Safety Measures
[edit]- Area Closures: The Bighorn National Forest implemented closure orders for safety, covering areas where the fire was active to protect both the public and firefighting teams.
References
[edit]https://www.ktvq.com/news/fire-watch/elk-fire-in-wyoming-reported-at-nearly-50-000-acres