Elk Fire begins burning

SHERIDAN (WNE) —  A new fire began burning in the Bighorn National Forest Friday.

The Elk Fire —  by West Pass and north of Riley Point —  was estimated at 27 acres at noon on Sept. 27, according to a Facebook post from the Tongue River Fire District.

Bighorn National Forest firefighters responded initially to a smoke report and found the fire to be burning on steep terrain in thick timber with a lot of dead and downed trees, according to the Bighorn National Forest’s Facebook page.  Firefighters are considering safe and viable options for engagement.

The forest is responding with engines, a 20-person crew and a helitack crew and are initiating an “air attack” above the fire, according to the Tongue River Fire District. The forest has also ordered single engine air tankers and large air tankers to assist in the fire-fighting.

The fire is just the latest in an intense fire season for Sheridan County. 

This story was published on September 30, 2024.