Sheridan County’s Elk Fire causes closures, evacuations

SHERIDAN — The Elk Fire continues to cause havoc for the Pass Creek and Parkman areas in Sheridan County.

Tongue River High School was closed Monday due to the fire.

“Because of its proximity to Tongue River Canyon, and out of an abundance of caution, we are following advice from emergency personnel to close school at Tongue River High School for today,” Sheridan County School District 1 Superintendent Jeff Jones said in an email.

All students were dismissed at 9:30 a.m.

Jones said buses would run as normal in areas where the roads were still open, and the district transportation department would be in touch with families of students who live in the canyon.

All activities on the Tongue River side of the school district were canceled for the day, Jones said.

According to the Bighorn National Forest Service, the latest routes restricted to local residence traffic are:

• Pass Creek Road, County Road 144 (from intersection of Highway 345 and Pass Creek Road)

• Twin Creek Road (Access off of Parkman)

• Smith Creek Road (Intersection of Highway 343 and Smith Creek Road)

• Tongue Canyon Road (at the Amsden Road “Y”)

Residences along Pass Creek Road have been evacuated. Law enforcement and fire personnel are asking people to respect the closures on Pass Creek Road along with other restrictions listed.

As requested by the Bighorn Forest Service Incident Command, the Wyoming Department of Transportation has closed US 14 between Dayton and Burgess Junction in both directions.

Due to the location, nature and direction of the Elk Fire, WYDOT and Incident Command are concerned for the safety of the traveling public, hunters, campers, and residents of the Burgess Junction area, and are asking those individuals to evacuate the area.

Individuals with properties or personal belongings accessible from US 14 and US 14A will not be allowed access.

The Bighorn Forest Service and WYDOT are asking the public to avoid any unnecessary travel or parking in the area that may impede in the ongoing efforts to suppress this fire.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol will be operating gates at Dayton and Burgess Junction. It is unknown how long the closure will last.

Hot temperatures plagued firefighters battling the Elk Fire over the weekend.

According to a report from the Wyoming Type 3 Team, as of Sunday night, the fire had burned approximately 6,312 acres and was 0% contained. The fire reportedly grew at least eight miles to the south overnight.

There are seven hand crews, three engines, three heavy equipment, two Type 1 helicopters and one air attack battling the blaze.

As of Monday morning, some out-building structures  —  but no residences —  were likely lost. Monday, crews were to  focus on working to protect structures along the face of the mountain in the Pass Creek, Smith Creek and Twin Creek areas.

A Complex Incident Management Team has been ordered and is expected to take over command of the fire soon.

For now, the Wyoming Type 3 team will remain in place until that transition occurs.

Much cooler temperatures were expected Monday and Monday night as crews worked to contain the blaze. Wind direction is forecasted to change.

Some local ranchers, including the Kerns Ranch, evacuated Sunday as the fire threatened their property and livestock.

“After the horror stories that we heard from our friends with the Remington fire, we just wanted to be cautious and get our critters out,” Cathryn Kerns said.

Fortunately, the fire switched directions and started moving east late Sunday evening, Taylor Kerns said.

“We’ve had so many people reach out and offer help so we’re very thankful,” Kerns said.

As of Monday morning at 10:38 a.m., residences in the Horse Shoe Subdivision were in the area that should be prepared to evacuate as needed.

Residences in the Tongue River Canyon area will continue to be contacted by Sheridan County Sheriff's Office Deputies if there is a need to evacuate.

The Tongue Canyon Road closure has been extended. The road is now closed at Tongue Canyon Road where the pavement turns to dirt in Dayton, near River Road. This is to allow emergency personnel to work in the area.

This story was published on September 30, 2024.