DAYTON, Wyo. (KTVX) — The town of Dayton, Wyoming, has been put on a “ready to evacuate” status as a massive wildfire continues to spread across the Bighorn National Forest, just six miles away.
The wildfire, dubbed the “Elk Fire,” sparked on Friday, Sept. 27, after a lightning strike. The flames spread rapidly, according to officials, burning over 32,000 acres by Wednesday morning. It remains 0% contained.
“The fire remained active overnight, moving further northeast. Today firefighting operations will focus on direct and indirect strategies,” the U.S. National Forest Service said in a statement Wednesday. “Firefighters will be improving existing roads and fireline on the northeastern, eastern, and southeastern portions of the fire area.”
The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office issued a closure for Highway 14, which runs just south of the burn area, between Dayton and Burgess Junction. The Pass Creek Road and Twin Creek Road areas west of Parkman, roughly eight miles north of Dayton, have been given an evacuation order.
Dayton and Parkman, towns near the Montana border with a combined population of about 1,000 people, have been told to prepare for evacuations. Both towns have been placed on a “ready” status, meaning residents should create an emergency plan.
“Take time now to think about what you would want to take with you or where you might go if the town is put into a ‘set’ status,” the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office said.
Under the “set” status, residents are warned to prepare to evacuate and to leave early if they feel their lives are in danger or need extra time. The final status is the “go” status, which is a full evacuation order in which officials say residents should not hesitate to leave.
The Sheridan County Fairgrounds has been established as an evacuation center capable of taking in large and small animals as well as housing people. Residents who have a camper may also find a spot on the fairgrounds as well.