STURGIS, S.D. – Dry conditions throughout the summer coupled with warmer than average late summer temperatures, little rain and plenty of wind and you have a recipe for wildfire.
Parts of Northeast Wyoming and Northeast Montana have gone up in flames that fire response teams and ranchers are calling “catastrophic.”
As of Thursday mid-day, August 29, 2004, the Remington Fire in northern Sheridan County, Wyoming and southern Montana has burned 196,459 acres and is 61% contained; the House Draw Fire is at 175,000 acres and 91% contained; the Flat Rock Fire 52, 421 acres and 75% contained; and the Constitution Fire near Gilette is 24,594 acres burned at 57% contained. All total, 449,000 acres have been scorched.
Monty Lesh, Miles City, MT, who represents the Southeast District of the Montana Stockgrowers Association, describes the area as pine and cedar, and open grass – ranch country
According to Montana Stockgrowers Foundation Chair Ty McDonald, “The Remington Fire has had devastating effects on ranchers in the region that will be felt for many years.”
Margaret Miller, a public information officer serving with the Southwest Incident Management Team 5 said that firefighters were successful in holding containment lines yesterday (Wed, Aug. 28) in windy conditions. The House Draw Fire was caused by lightening while the cause of the others is undetermined at this time.
Keith Raymond is the Director of Emergency Services for Rosebud County in Wyoming. He explains why these fires are challenging to fight.
He says the fire is among the largest in recent history.
As to the extent of livestock lost to the fire, Raymond said assessments are starting to come in.
He says that physical donations of hay and fencing supplies should all be routed through the Montana Beef Foundation. “That is the Montana Stockgrowers Association and they’re handling that. We remind people we don’t need household items at this time and want to thank people for their generosity.”
Other donation information includes:
The Rosebud County Cattlewomen in collaboration with The Community Foundation and Rosebud County DES will be handling all monetary donations for relief efforts in Rosebud, Big Horn and Powder River County. Checks can be sent to First State Bank or The Rosebud County Cattlewomen Association. Checks can also be dropped off in person at First State Bank and State Farm in Forsyth.
The Campbell County Cattlewomen and Campbell County Farm Bureau have announced the immediate need for hay. Donations can be made at the Wyoming Rancher Fire Relief www.wyrancherfirerelief.com Meanwhile, fencing donations can also be made to Northeast Wyoming and Southern Montana Wildfire Fencing Relief, PO Box 427, Buffalo, WY 82834.
Wyoming fire donations are also being organized by Cammack Ranch Supply, Union Center, S.D. Donations of specific items or cash donations to be used toward the purchase of products can be made. Delivery to affected areas is provided by Jeff and Shelane Graham at no cost. Call 1-800-828-2829 or message Cammack Ranch Supply on Facebook for more information and to participate.
