Containment of Elk Fire now at 82%

GILLETTE (WNE) — One month after it was started by lightning, the Elk Fire has burned 98,352 acres and is 82% contained.

Rain, snow and cooler temperatures over the last couple of weeks have helped slow down the fire’s growth.

Sunday firefighters were prepared for elevated fire behavior, which did occur, resulting in active burning with a pronounced smoke column near Soldier Creek, according to a press release from Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 1.

Firefighters also continued suppression repair activities aided by heavy equipment with about 50% of dozer line rehabilitation now finished.

Weather conditions were expected to squelch fire activity beginning Monday night, as snow and rain totals in the area could be as high as 14 inches and 1 inch, respectively, by Wednesday.

Temperatures were expected to drop, with winds of 7-12 mph with gusts up to 20 mph.

This story was published on October 28, 2024.