In Wyoming, 1,000 firefighters are battling two wildfires

Wyoming is currently facing a major challenge as several wildfires burn. Thousands of firefighters are battling two separate disasters: the Elk Fire in the Bighorn National Forest and the Pack Trail Fire in the Bridger-Teton National Forest.

The extent of the fires is immense, affecting more than 100,000 hectares.

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Evacuations were ordered throughout Sheridan County and west of Dubois. The heat and dry, windy conditions have fueled the spread of these wildfires. US Highway 14, one of the major roads throughout the state, is closed between Dayton and Burgess Junction.

Gov. Mark Gordon issued an emergency transportation order to protect livestock and the region's significant agricultural industry. This order eases restrictions The size of the load is increased and the travel time is extended. Both can help speed up transportation to safer areas. The state also received a USDA disaster declaration, which will help agriculture recover from wildfire damage.

Wyoming is already grappling with historic wildfire frequency this year. One of the largest disasters on record occurred early in late summer when the House Draw Fire burned 175,000 acres and caused over $25 million in damages.

Moosefire

The Moose Fire in Wyoming is reaching historic proportions. It is the largest fire in the 100-year history of the Bighorn National Forest. According to the latest update, it has reached 73,000 acres and is said to be 10% contained.

Initially, teams focused on playing defensively to contain the spread, but unusual weather conditions and increased growth forced a more offensive approach in recent days.

The cause of the fire is said to be lightning that struck on September 27th.

An update Monday morning said 680 crews were in the area battling the Elk Fire. According to KTVQ, two houses were destroyed.

Pack Trail Fire

The Pack Trail Fire is the smaller of the two forest fires, but still causes significant damage. It has spread over more than 54,000 hectares and is 60% contained.

This forest fire was also the result of lightning that struck on September 15th. What made this more intense was that it eventually combined with another forest fire in Fish Creek, causing the two smaller disturbances to evolve into a larger problem.

The Pack Trail Fire has 563 people available.