Elk Fire and Pack Trail Fire Impacting Wyoming
Wyoming is currently facing two large wildfires, the Elk Fire and the Pack Trail Fire, which have together burned over 130,000 acres. Here are the latest updates:
Wildfire Overview
Elk Fire
- Location: Bighorn National Forest
- Size: Approximately 75,969 acres as of October 9, 2024
- Containment: Currently 16% contained
- Cause: Started from a lightning strike on September 27, 2024
- Impact: This fire has become the largest in the history of Bighorn National Forest, leading to evacuations in nearby areas. Reports confirm the destruction of two homes.
- Firefighting Efforts: Around 680 firefighters are working to control the blaze, focusing on establishing control lines and conducting strategic burns to protect vital infrastructure.
Pack Trail Fire
- Location: Bridger-Teton National Forest
- Size: Over 60,676 acres
- Containment: Currently at 0% containment
- Cause: Also ignited by lightning on September 15, 2024, this fire intensified after merging with another fire in Fish Creek.
- Firefighting Efforts: Approximately 563 firefighters are engaged in battling this fire, which is difficult to manage due to its location in rugged terrain.
Current Conditions and Response
- The wildfires are fueled by dry, windy weather, with gusts up to 20 mph, leading to heightened fire activity. Evacuations have been ordered in Sheridan County and west of Dubois.
- U.S. Highway 14 is closed between Dayton and Burgess Junction because of the fires.
- Governor Mark Gordon has issued an emergency transport order to assist with the movement of livestock and agricultural products during this crisis.
Historical Context
This wildfire season has been particularly harsh for Wyoming, following earlier incidents such as the House Draw Fire, which burned around 175,000 acres earlier this year. In 2024, the state has witnessed a record number of wildfires, raising significant concerns among residents and officials. Firefighters are continuously facing difficult conditions as they strive to contain these wildfires and safeguard local communities from further devastation.