Wyoming Wildfires Prompt New Evacuations Amid Efforts to Contain Elk and Pack Trail Fires

Fire crews in Wyoming are battling two of the state’s largest wildfires, which have triggered further evacuations in Sheridan, Teton, and Fremont counties, Wyo File reports.

As of Monday, fresh evacuation orders were issued for homes and cabins near the 89,000-acre Elk Fire in Sheridan County and the 77,600-acre Pack Trail Fire in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

Together, the two wildfires have burned approximately 260 square miles, an area roughly equivalent to the size of Denver and Salt Lake City combined. Lightning sparked both fires last month, and they have since expanded amid dry and windy conditions, contributing to one of the most severe fire seasons Wyoming has experienced in recent memory.

In Sheridan County, the Elk Fire has led to new evacuations near the eastern side of the Bighorn Mountains, affecting residents in the Red Grade Road area, including Lower Hideaway, Upper Hideaway, and Red Poll lanes. Several cabin groups, such as the Teepee Cabin group and Black Tooth Cabin Association, were also evacuated. The Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that these measures are precautionary rather than a response to extreme fire behavior.

The Elk Fire, which ignited on September 27, continues to grow but at a slower pace. Firefighters reported a 3,500-acre expansion on Sunday and an additional 1,500 acres on Monday. Nearly 950 personnel, supported by aircraft and ground equipment, are working to contain the blaze, which is currently 27% contained.

Fire crews are focusing on protective operations near Poverty Flat, 45 minutes south of Sheridan, clearing flammable debris and setting up sprinkler systems around homes. Heavy equipment is also being used to remove vegetation along Red Grade Road to prevent the fire from moving further south.

In Teton County, evacuations have been ordered for the Upper Gros Ventre area east of Goosewing Ranch due to the advancing Pack Trail Fire. Similar evacuation orders remain in place for the Lava Mountain Lodge and McKenzie Highland Ranch, while other areas, such as Brooks Lake Lodge, have seen their evacuation status downgraded to a “prepare to leave” warning.

The Pack Trail Fire, which started on September 15, is 62% contained. Crews have been working to protect structures in the Gros Ventre Valley by setting up fire defenses, including building wraps, hoses, and sprinkler systems.

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon has called this fire season “unprecedented” due to the large swaths of land that have been consumed by flames. In response, the state has imposed fire restrictions and is urging residents to exercise caution, especially during hunting season. The governor emphasized the importance of fire safety after two abandoned campfires were found during reconnaissance on the Elk Fire.

“We know that conditions are extraordinarily fire prone… People need to take every care not to ignite a fire,” Gov. Gordon said.