Sheridan County declares state of emergency amid fires
SHERIDAN (WNE) — With a fire raging in northeastern Sheridan County, county commissioners declared a state of emergency at an emergency meeting Friday evening.
The Remington fire has burned 185,000 acres since Wednesday, of which 30,000 has been in Wyoming; the remaining 155,000 acres have burned in Montana. The fire started around 3 p.m. Wednesday, and the acreage burned skyrocketed from about 7,500 acres Thursday. The fire is 0% contained as of Friday evening.
Every community is suffering from a lack of resources to combat fires, Sheridan County Emergency Management Coordinator Jesse Ludikhuize said.
The emergency declaration — approved unanimously by commissioners — will allow Sheridan County to have access to funding sources not otherwise available.
When the fires are contained and damage is assessed, the county can pursue state and federal assistance.
The Remington fire, Ludikhuize said, has already caused extensive damage to farmland, livestock areas, fences and other private property. The fire has also created some damage on several miles of county roads due to heavy traffic.
Burn scars, he explained, have lasting impacts; they can make the land more prone to flooding and soil recovery could take years.
Sheridan County Fairgrounds facilities are open for livestock and evacuees. Ludikhuize added the county is offering assistance for people who need to move livestock away from danger, though many residents have already reached out to neighbors for assistance.
While the Remington Fire remains a concern, Sheridan County has rescinded a voluntary evacuation notice in the Arvada and Clearmont areas for the House Draw fire still burning in Johnson County.
“While the House Draw Fire is not fully contained, please understand wind speed and direction can have a direct effect on how the fire activity will progress. If fire conditions change…notices will be issued and updates will be given regularly,” Sheridan County Sheriff Levi Dominguez wrote in a statement Friday.
This story was published on August 23, 2024.