Sibley fire confirmed as part of Elk Fire

Complex Incident Management Team 3 officials confirmed fire at Sibley Lake and campground. Officials could not confirm start time or size, but confirmed that fire in the Sibley area is part of the larger Elk Fire. 

The team is working on a larger fire update this afternoon. 

All schools on the Tongue River side of district to be closed Oct. 3

Tongue River High School, elementary, middle school and Slack School will be closed Oct. 3 and there will be no virtual online expectation for schooling.

TRE and TRMS will dismiss as normal at 4 p.m. Oct. 2, TRHS was online and Slack was closed.

At 11 a.m. Oct. 2, Sheridan County School District 1 Superintendent Jeff Jones held a Zoom meeting with a large group of administrators and supervisory staff from across the district. In the meeting, Jones gathered information regarding the current status of the school district as a result of the fire.

“Not surprisingly, the impact is getting more and more difficult to manage. We have a large, growing number of staff members absent because they are either fighting the fire, needing to leave to get to Dayton so they can prepare for the potential of an evacuation, etc. We have many more staff members who, while they may still be in school, are incredibly shaken because in one way or another, they are greatly impacted by what is happening at this moment,” Jones said in an email to SCSD1 staff and families.

All activities on the Tongue River side are canceled for the balance of the week and weekend. This includes practices as well as home and away games. Efforts will be made to reschedule the events.

“There are scenarios where we simply don’t have bus drivers, coaches, etc. We also don’t want students to be coming in and out of the parking lot at TRHS to get things to get to a practice or game,” Jones said in an email to district staff and families. “Finally, to be frank, it doesn’t make sense to be playing a ballgame out of town while your family’s home is in jeopardy of burning down. Every effort will be made to reschedule events.”

For families who need extra time to prepare things in Dayton, there will be staff at TRE and TRMS who are willing to stay longer after school with children. The district also has extra space near the bus barn in Ranchester if people need extra space for campers, Jones said in the email.

Town of Dayton in “ready” pre-evacuation order

Here are the most recent evacuation orders, as of 10:55 a.m. Wednesday:

The Sheridan County Sheriff has increased the evacuation status of both the Eagle Ridge Subdivision and the residences directly adjacent to the east of U.S. Highway 14, going up the mountain, to “Set.” If you are in either of these areas, please take the time now to gather up important things and be prepared to evacuate if notified.

The town of Dayton has been placed in a “Ready,” or pre-evacuation, status. If you live in the town of Dayton, take the time now to think about what you would want to take with you or where you might go if the Town of Dayton is put into a “Set” status.

• Pass Creek Road and Twin Creek Road west of Parkman

• Tongue River Canyon west of Dayton, where the pavement turns to dirt.

• Town of Parkman residents and residents of north of Parkman, on both the east and west sides of Highway 345 up to the Montana state line are now under a pre-evacuation or, “ready,” notice. This does not include the Hersey Road area.

Residents in the “ready” stage should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Emergency personnel have contacted all affected residents directly.

The town of Dayton is not under a pre-evacuation notice or “ready” status at this time.

Fire exceeds 32,000 acres burned

The Elk Fire grew to 32,069 acres burned with no containment as of 9 p.m. Tuesday. Additional air and ground resources arrived Tuesday to assist in fire control efforts.

“It’s important to note the effectiveness of air support is dependent on wind conditions and smoke coverage,” Sheridan County Emergency Management Coordinator Jesse Ludikhuize said in a press release.

Residents in Dayton and Ranchester areas should expect to see a significant increase in emergency vehicles.

Highway 14 still closed

Highway 14 from Dayton to Burgess Junction remains closed, and all other closures from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to Forest Service roads — see below — remain in effect.

“We’re working diligently to minimize the impact on the community while keeping everyone informed,” Ludikhuize said. “Please continue to respect evacuation notices and obey all road closures. It is crucial to stay out of the fire area to allow emergency personnel to work without obstruction.”

Highway 14 closure will be continually evaluated and adjustments will be made as conditions allow. The road remains closed due to thick smoke, fire conditions and the need to ensure the safety of emergency responders.

Fire impacts one firefighter, six buildings

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., signifying critical fire weather conditions, including low humidity and high winds, which could exacerbate the fire.

Since the beginning of the fire, six non-primary residential structures have been destroyed, including barns, outhouses and other non-primary residential buildings. All affected property owners have been notified by emergency personnel.

One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday, requiring transport to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, where the person is currently receiving treatment.

Larger crew assumes management

Wyoming Type 3 Team transferred management of the fire to Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The Complex Incident Management Team 3 will host a public meeting Wednesday at Tongue River Middle School — relocated from Tongue River High School Wednesday at 11 a.m. due to growing evacuation concerns in Dayton — starting at 7 p.m.

The in-person meeting will be recorded and published later by the team, who will make themselves available to answer questions and address public concerns related to the fire.

The new incident management team assumed operational control Monday at 7 p.m., and all updates will come from that team. The group will establish a public contact number, to be shared soon, according to Ludikhuize.

No donations of food or supplies are needed for firefighters or emergency personnel at this time.

Students remain online Wednesday

Emergency management personnel contacted SCSD1 Superintendent Jeff Jones at 12:15 a.m. and advised that students and staff at Tongue River High School only to go online Wednesday.

“I will continue to stay in touch as I get more information in the morning,” Jones said in an email to SCSD1 staff and families. “Please continue to pray for our firefighters, emergency responders and all of the families impacted.”

Slack School is also closed.

Community support

Sheridan County YMCA will provide shower passes for anyone displaced by the Elk Fire. Check in with the front desk with your information and mention the fire relief effort. Additionally, while space allows, the Y is providing space for parking campers, but they do not have electricity hookups. To reserve a spot, call and ask for availability and fill out a form at the front desk to check in.

Those needing a place to take livestock or a place to stay in a camper may evacuate to the Sheridan County Fairgrounds. If you need a place to stay and you are evacuated, contact Sheridan County Emergency Management at 307-752-2174. Emergency Management officials said staff will work with any resident that has pets to ensure they are also sheltered.

UPDATE: 5:15 a.m. Oct. 2

Due to the rapidly changing conditions of the Elk Fire, evacuation orders have been issued for Pass Creek Road and Twin Creek Road west of Parkman, and Tongue River Canyon west of Dayton, where the pavement turns to dirt.

In addition, the Town of Parkman residents and residents of north of Parkman, on both the east and west sides of Highway 345 up to the Montana state line are now under a pre-evacuation or, “ready,” notice. This does not include the Hersey Road area. Residents in the “ready” stage should be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Emergency personnel have contacted all affected residents directly.

The Town of Dayton is not under a pre-evacuation notice or “ready” status at this time.

UPDATE: 12:38 a.m. Oct. 2

DAYTON — Because of worsening fire conditions near Dayton, Sheridan County School District 1 is being advised to have students and staff at Tongue River High School to stay online Oct. 2.

Emergency management personnel contacted SCSD1 Superintendent Jeff Jones at 12:15 a.m. and advised that students and staff at TRHS only to go online Wednesday.

“I will continue to stay in touch as I get more information in the morning,” Jones said in an email to SCSD1 staff and families. “Please continue to pray for our firefighters, emergency responders and all of the families impacted.”

Slack School is also closed. 

UPDATE: 11:45 p.m. Oct. 1

DAYTON — Evacuations have been ordered for all the residences on Pass Creek Road between East Pass Creek and Twin Creek Road and from the X bar X Ranch north to the state line. 

Authorities have contacted residents.

The ranch is located at 846 Pass Creek Road in Parkman.

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UPDATE: 5 p.m. Oct. 1

DAYTON — Fire suppression efforts continue. The latest update includes additional acreage burned, a minor injury, a scheduled public meeting and Tongue River High School students returning to in-person instruction. 

Fire exceeds 32,000 acres burned

The Elk Fire grew to 32,069 acres burned with no containment as of 9 p.m. Tuesday. Additional air and ground resources arrived Tuesday to assist in fire control efforts. 

“It’s important to note the effectiveness of air support is dependent on wind conditions and smoke coverage,” Sheridan County Emergency Management Coordinator Jesse Ludikhuize said in a press release. 

Residents in Dayton and Ranchester areas should expect to see a significant increase in emergency vehicles. 

Highway 14 from Dayton to Burgess Junction remains closed, and all other closures from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department to Forest Service roads — see below — remain in effect. 

“We’re working diligently to minimize the impact on the community while keeping everyone informed,” Ludikhuize said. “Please continue to respect evacuation notices and obey all road closures. It is crucial to stay out of the fire area to allow emergency personnel to work without obstruction.”

Highway 14 closure will be continually evaluated and adjustments will be made as conditions allow. The road remains closed due to thick smoke, fire conditions and the need to ensure the safety of emergency responders. 

The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., signifying critical fire weather conditions, including low humidity and high winds, which could exacerbate the fire. 

Since the beginning of the fire, six non-primary residential structures have been destroyed, including barns, outhouses and other non-primary residential buildings. All affected property owners have been notified by emergency personnel. 

One firefighter sustained non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday, requiring transport to Sheridan Memorial Hospital, where the person is currently receiving treatment. 

Larger crew assumes management

Wyoming Type 3 Team transferred management of the fire to Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 3 at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

The Complex Incident Management Team 3 will host a public meeting Wednesday at Tongue River High School in Dayton, starting at 7 p.m.

The in-person meeting will be recorded and published later by the team, who will make themselves available to answer questions and address public concerns related to the fire. 

The new incident management team assumed operational control Monday at 7 p.m., and all updates will come from that team. The group will establish a public contact number, to be shared soon, according to Ludikhuize. 

No donations of food or supplies are needed for firefighters or emergency personnel at this time. 

Students return to in-person learning Wednesday

Tongue River High School students will return to the physical classroom Wednesday. 

“The situation has significantly improved near the high school and there is a presence of personnel and equipment (on the ground and in the air) in that area which has reduced the level of risk,” Sheridan County School District 1 superintendent Jeff Jones said in a Oct. 1 email to district parents. “Obviously we will continue to monitor the situation, literally by the minute. If things change, we will adjust as needed and that will be communicated out to all staff and families.”

As an extra precaution, several buses and drivers will be stationed at Tongue River High School during the school day. This will allow the district to evacuate the school in a matter of minutes if necessary. 

Sports practices at the high school will resume on the afternoon of Oct. 1. The district will monitor the air quality for outdoor activities, assuring students with breathing issues minimize exposure or be excused all together from practices outside if that is what they need. If you are a parent of a child in this situation, please reach out to your child’s principal or coach if you have questions or concerns. 

The Slack School will continue online schooling on Oct. 2.

Community support

Sheridan County YMCA will provide shower passes for anyone displaced by the Elk Fire. Check in with the front desk with your information and mention the fire relief effort. Additionally, while space allows, the Y is providing space for parking campers, but they do not have electricity hookups. To reserve a spot, call and ask for availability and fill out a form at the front desk to check in. 

The Defense Health Agency announced TRICARE beneficiaries in Sheridan County may receive emergency prescription refills now through Oct. 11, 2024, due to the Elk Fire.

To receive an emergency refill of prescription medications, TRICARE beneficiaries should take their prescription bottle to any TRICARE retail network pharmacy. If the bottle is unavailable or the label is damaged or missing, beneficiaries should contact Express Scripts, Inc., or their retail network pharmacy for assistance.

To find a network pharmacy, beneficiaries may call Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303, or search the network pharmacy locator. If possible, visit the pharmacy where the prescription was filled.

UPDATE: 8:38 a.m. Oct. 1

PARKMAN — The Elk Fire continues to burn across the Bighorn mountain range stretching from Pass Creek Road to the Dayton area. 

Tongue River High School closed Tuesday

Sheridan County School District 1 Superintendent Jeff Jones said Tongue River High School will remain closed Tuesday due to the fire.

“There is going to be a lot of action with equipment and personnel moving in the Tongue River High School area, (so) emergency personnel has asked that we keep students and staff at TRHS out again (Tuesday),” Jones said.  All students from Tongue River High School will attend classes online. 

Travel restrictions and road closures

According to the latest report from the Bighorn National Forest Service, the latest routes to be 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 River Canyon Road

• U.S. Highway 14 between Dayton and Burgess Junction (as of 7 a.m. Oct. 1, estimated opening time is unknown)

Evacuations remain in place along these routes. Law enforcement and fire personnel are asking people to respect the closures on Pass Creek Road along with other restrictions listed.

Due to the location, nature and direction of the Elk Fire, the Wyoming Department of Transportation 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. A Bighorn National Forest Closure Order is in place for firefighter and public safety.  The area closed is the area north of US Highway 14 and east of the border of the Medicine Wheel Ranger District and the Tongue Ranger District. 

Individuals with properties or personal belongings accessible from U.S. Highway 14 and U.S. Highway 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.  

Size and containment

Cooler temperatures helped firefighting efforts Monday.

According to a report from the Wyoming Type 3 Team Tuesday morning, the fire has burned approximately 25,085 acres and is 0% contained.

There are six hand crews, three engines, four heavy equipment, two Type 1 helicopters, one Type 2 helicopter, one Type 3 helicopter and two air attack battling the blaze.

Monday, firefighting operations focused on the northern and eastern sides of the fire with crews working to remove vegetation by use of hand tools and strategically putting fire on the ground to consume vegetation, or fuel, between structures and the fire. Air resources were used to assist ground operations and ensure for firefighter safety. Tuesday, firefighters will continue to build fire line around the fire, where it is safe to do so, with the assistance of air resources. The strategy being implemented on this fire is full suppression. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority, and the tactics used to suppress the fire will be determined by the terrain, fire and weather conditions, and medical response time.

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-60s on the fire area Tuesday with winds changing to be out of the southwest and relative humidity around 18%. The shift in wind may cause the fire to be active in different areas than Monday.