DAYTON, Wyo. — Thanks to 100% humidity overnight and moderate precipitation in the form of both rain and snow, Elk Fire growth has been minimal and the fire is becoming increasingly slow. Continuing. While crews battle the fire, applications are being sought for a new process that would allow property owners to return to restricted areas to retrieve their belongings.
The plan was developed by agency administrators and regional complex incident management teams and is open for submissions at this link. This process allows property owners who suddenly have to evacuate their residences to return to exclusion zones and retrieve left-behind property, such as campers.
According to the latest update on Bighorn National Forest’s Facebook page, applications for the program close tomorrow at 9 a.m.
Additionally, Elk Fire has not seen any surrounding growth in the past 24 hours, according to the post. This is due in part to increased humidity and precipitation over the past day. Crews are taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions to continue repair work on suppressors and construction of indirect fire lines, but the situation comes with its own risks.
Fog conditions, slippery roads, and mud can hinder operations. But the latest information says firefighters are keeping that in mind and taking precautions as they work.
The bulk of the heavy firefighting equipment is now directed towards suppression and protection in the south-west end of the fire. Here, connected by Red Grade Road, crews are establishing a stronger fire line.
In other locations, including fire stations Z, P, M, K and I, the fire is now almost completely extinguished. That’s also due to the recent humidity. In some places, resources are so overstretched that firefighters are taking time off.
Firefighting efforts around the Elk Fire on the Bighorn National Forest (Bighorn National Forest Facebook) Closures and evacuation advisories remain the same as yesterday. U.S. Highway 14, a major artery through the Bighorn National Forest, is once again open to private vehicle traffic. However, as repairs to the motorway are underway, authorities have warned that people should only travel along this route if absolutely necessary.
For a more comprehensive breakdown of what is and isn’t closed, visit the Bighorn National Forest Facebook page or the Sheridan County Government Facebook page.
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