Multiple fires burning in and around Johnson County

BUFFALO — Lightning-sparked grass fires burned tens of thousands of acres in Johnson, Sheridan and Campbell counties on Wednesday, prompting evacuations and closing multiple roadways.

The House Draw fire ignited south east of Buffalo on Wednesday and spread quickly, pushed by heavy winds all day. The fire spread north and jumped Interstate 90 on Wednesday. Interstate 90 was closed but has since reopened.

On Thursday morning, the fire was estimated to have burned 163,000 acres.

Officials are expected to provide an update Thursday morning on acres burned and containment.

Johnson County Fire, Powder River Fire District, U.S. Forest Service and BLM were working the fire. They received air assistance. According to an update from the Powder River Fire District, firefighters and community members worked through the night, cutting fire line, back burning and suppressing the fire.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for the House Draw fire.

Early Thursday morning, the Clearmont Fire District provided an update on the Remington fire that is burning in extreme northeastern Sheridan County. A voluntary evacuation order was issued Wednesday night for Arvada and Clearmont. That fire was estimated to be 7,500 acres on Thursday morning.

Crews from Clearmont, Dayton, Goose Valley Fire Department, Tongue River River Fire District and Ranchester Fire, Big Horn Fire, Sheridan County Road and Bridge, and private ranchers were working the fire.

Steep terrain made initial attack efforts difficult. With other fires in the area threatening communities, it was not possible to get air attack to assist. Crews worked through the night to construct a fire line and began to attack the fire at daybreak.

Officials have asked that the public please avoid the fire areas to allow personnel to work unimpeded. There have been many offers of food, etc. At this time, emergency management does not need donations of food or drinks for evacuees or fire personnel. Emergency management is thankful for the offers and will issue a statement if there is a need for donations.

On Thursday morning, I-90 from Buffalo to Gillette was closed in both directions. Wyoming Highway 59 between mile marker 126 and Montana State Line was also closed. As of Friday morning, both roads are open.

The most recent road closure information may be found on the Wyoming Department of Transportation website.

This story was published on August 22, 2024. Updates on the road closures were made by WNE on August 23 at 8:45 a.m. based on WYDOT’s website.