Wildfires in Wyoming Burns Over 130,000 Acres
Wildfires in Wyoming, U.S., Oct. 9, 2024. X/ @DaysofNoahGen6
October 10, 2024 Hour: 4:55 am
Over 1,300 firefighters are working to battle two wildfires as authorities have ordered evacuations in Sheridan County.
On Wednesday, the United States Forest Service confirmed that two separate wildfires burning in the U.S. state of Wyoming scorched over 130,000 acres (526.1 square kilometers) combined.
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Elk Fire in Bighorn National Forest, which has been burning for almost two weeks, spread to 75,969 acres (307.4 square kilometers) with 16 percent contained as of Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, Pack Trail Fire in Bridger-Teton National Forest burned down 60,676 acres (245.6 square kilometers) with zero containment as of Wednesday morning.
“The fire’s location is in remote, rugged, and inaccessible terrain with few roads. The fire is burning up to old fire scars and in heavy fuels, dead standing trees (snags), and downed timber. Fire managers’ top priority is ensuring firefighter and public safety,” InciWeb said in its newest overview on Pack Trail Fire.
More than 1,300 firefighters are working to fight the two blazes. Evacuations have been ordered across Sheridan County of the Cowboy State. U.S. Highway 14, one of the main roads across the state, has shut down between Dayton and Burgess Junction.
Wyoming has dealt with historical levels of wildfires this year. One of the biggest on record occurred in late summer, when the House Draw Fire burned 175,000 acres (708.2 square kilometers), causing losses over US$25 million.
Residents of Wyoming expressed frustration on social media at the lack of national media coverage of the fires, with many pointing to the overwhelming focus on Hurricane Milton as it approaches Florida.
teleSUR/ JF Source: Xinhua
