GILLETTE, Wyo. – The Montana DNRC County Assist Team, led by Incident Commander David Hamilton has assumed command of the Short Draw Fire burning in Wyoming and Montana.
The fire is currently 40,000 acres and is actively burning on Wyoming state, Montana state, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and privately-owned lands.
The primary objectives of fire mitigation efforts is to protect homes and grazing rangelands. The goal is to minimize wildfire damage to these areas, ensuring the safety of human life and preservation of natural resources.
The fire began on Wednesday about 30 miles north of Gillette and rapidly spread into spread into Powder River County, Montana by Wednesday evening.
On Friday, hand crews, engine crews and dozers were creating control lines around the eastern and northern edge. Along the northwest edge of the fire crews conducted a burnout operation by intentionally setting a controlled fire to consume fuel ahead of advancing flames, creating a barrier to stop the forward spread of fire on the northwestern edge. The southern edge of the fire in Wyoming remains active.
Damage assessments are ongoing, with some outbuildings and primary structures reported as lost. Structure protection has been ongoing from the beginning and will continue until secure.
Powder River County, Montana, has issued an Evacuation Warning for residents east of Buffalo Cr all the way to Butte Cr Rd, from the state line to the Powder River.
Campbell County, Wyoming, has issued an Evacuation Notice for the residents of Border Line Estates/Ranchets are advised to evacuate.
There is a temporary flight restriction (TFR) over the fire area. For the safety for firefighting pilots, do not fly unmanned aerial systems in the area.
RELATED: https://kbhbradio.com/friday-update-on-the-short-draw-fire-in-wyoming-and-montana/
