Elk Fire in Wyoming reaches approximately 22,000 acres

RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The Elk Fire in Sheridan County, Wyoming continues to grow in size.

The U.S. Forest Service reported the fire started last Friday due to lightning and has grown to approximately 22,000 acres.

At this time, they’re calling the fire zero percent contained. Air operations are currently taking place with four air tankers dropping fire retardant in various locations of the fire.

However, the use of helicopters has been paused due to high winds in the area. A complex Incident Management Team has taken over command of the fire.

There are currently seven hand crews and three engines working to suppress the fire.

All residents west of the intersection of Tongue Canyon Road and Amsden Road were ordered to evacuate.

Sheridan County has closed numerous roads to non-resident travel including:

• Tongue River Canyon
• Pass Creek
• Smith Creek
• Twin Creek roads

The Wyoming Department of Transportation closed Highway 14 from Dayton to Burgess Junction.

People impacted by evacuations can call the Sheridan County Emergency Management line at 307-752-2174.

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