Gordon pursues disaster designation for fires

SHERIDAN (WNE) — Gov. Mark Gordon has submitted his U.S. Department of Agriculture request for a Secretarial disaster designation due to impacts of wildfires that have scorched more than 629,000 acres across Wyoming to date.

In his letter to United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Gordon pointed out a disproportionate amount of the area burned so far has occurred on private lands, with much of that land used for some type of agricultural production. Losses from the House Draw fire in Johnson County — which has burned over 170,000 acres — are estimated at $25 million. Producers are still determining loss estimates in other counties impacted by this season’s fires. 

“This fire has destroyed at least 590 miles of fence, numerous stock tanks, livestock forage and, sadly, livestock,” Gordon wrote. “Similar statistics will emerge during the loss determination process for the other large wildfires in Eastern and Northern Wyoming.”

Gordon also requested maximum program flexibility due to the unique nature of Wyoming’s agriculture. He pointed out that hot temperatures, high winds and continued drought conditions have stretched resources and made for a particularly difficult year for fighting fire.

“The task of building back will be exceptionally challenging, and time is of the essence as the infrastructure necessary to manage livestock as well as provide water for wildlife has been decimated,” Gordon added.

The University of Wyoming Extension, in partnership with state agencies, has compiled  a website of both fire information and recovery resources that can be utilized by those impacted by wildfires. The site addresses preparedness, provides information for those facing active wildfires, along with recovery and rebuilding resources, including lists of Financial Resources from Federal Agencies as well as programs specifically for agricultural producers. 

This story was published on September 19, 2024.