Well, that escalated quickly.

Above Sheridan, Wyoming in the Bighorn mountains, a timber fire suddenly roared far beyond control in just a matter of hours.

The fire's massive smoke plume could be seen even over the horizon.

At times the smoke cloud has been big enough to form its own weather.

Social media has been filled with videos and photos of the fire's progress.

Below is a timelapse of the fire's escalation.

Most impressive is the nighttime portion of the video where you'll see how fighting those flames really are.

40-mile-an-hour winds on Sunday fanned those flames into a monster.

Fire officials provided this update

Location: Approximately 6 miles northwest of Dayton, Wyoming
Start Date: Friday, September 27, 2024
Cause: Lightning
Size: (6,312 acres night of September 29) The fire grew at least 8 miles to the south overnight. Maps will be posted once data is available.
Percent contained: 0%
Resources: 7 Hand Crews; 3 Engines; 3 Heavy Equipment; 2 type 1 Helicopters, 1 type 2 Helicopter , 1 air attack, air tankers as available.

attachment-elk draw fire barlow
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FIRE STATUS

Yesterday, the fire significantly increased in size.

All air operations were put on hold for several hours due to high winds.

Evacuations were issued along Pass Creek and Sheridan County Road 144, Pass Creek is closed to all non-resident traffic.

AIR QUALITY AND SMOKE

It is expected that the fire will continue to put up a smoke column, please check the AirNow website at https://www.airnow.gov/ to monitor smoke movement.

Photo by Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography
Photo by Tim Mandese, Focus West Photography
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CLOSURES

A closure order is in effect to protect the safety of firefighters and the public. An area including, Forest System Roads 145,150, 114, and portions of 167 and 168 along with Forest System Trails 201, 077, and 428 will be closed to public entry.

Sheridan County has closed Pass Creek Road, Twin Creek, Smith Creek Road, and Tongue River Canyon Road to non-resident travel.

Residences have been evacuated. Law enforcement and fire personnel are contacting affected people directly. If people need shelter for livestock or themselves, please call Sheridan County Emergency Management at 307-752-2174.

Tatanka Hotshots are being briefed in the photo below on a private ranch they later defended on September 29, 2024.

U.S. Forest Service - Bighorn National Forest
U.S. Forest Service - Bighorn National Forest
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Monday, September 30, 2024
The Elk fire was at 25,085 acres.

Fire managers observed a decrease in fire activity as the wind calmed.

The crews worked to secure the north and east portions of the fire ahead of the forecasted wind shift out of the southwest over the next couple of days. T

This is the typical wind pattern for the area.

Watch Fire Planes Scoop Glendo Wyoming Reservoir

Breathtaking photos of badass pilots scooping water from Glendo Reservoir, Wyoming.

The fire is just off to the west in the Laramie Range.

It has grown out of control, literally overnight.

There is only one way to fight in this remote location.

FROM THE AIR!

Gallery Credit: Glenn Woods

Wyoming Knife Master

Gallery Credit: Glenn Woods

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