DAYTON, WYOMING – In the last daily update by the United States Forest Service, Bighorn National Forest division, the Elk Fire was tabled 100% contained on Thursday, November 14. 

“The last remaining areas to be contained were in steep, remote locations that are difficult for crews to access,” the division explained. “Because of this, time was needed for moisture and cold temperatures to do their work in ensuring the threat was gone.”

According to InciWeb, lightning was the cause of the fire which began six miles northwest of Dayton on Friday, September 27. The wildfire was reported to have scorched 6,312 acres on the night of September 29 as warm, windy temperatures continued to fuel the blaze. 

Daily updates were posted to the site through the course of the battle. 

“(September 29) 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,” the update on September 30 said. “As of the morning of September 30, out-building structures have likely been lost. Local Law enforcement and firefighters are working with the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office to notify property owners of structures lost.”

Multiple reports confirmed the loss of two homes and approximately six outbuildings as area firefighters and crews worked to extinguish the blaze when had grown to 98,185 acres and reports indicate the fire was 73% contained by October 27. 

The final on November 1 indicated the incident management team would continue to share Elk Fire updates via Facebook and InciWeb. The fire was listed at 88% containment after devouring 98,352 acres west of Sheridan.