The Waddle Creek fire was reported Monday August 17th around 4:30PM in north-eastern Sheridan County. Local landowners responded along with crews from Clearmont fire District, Bureau of Land Management, Big Horn County MT, Sheridan County Road and Bridge, Goose Valley Fire Department, and US Forest Service responded. Crews worked through the night and next day to corral the fire. Red Flag weather conditions of high temperatures, low relative humidity, variable winds and rough terrain challenged the crews as they built lines around this fast-moving wildfire. Ground crews utilized a variety of air resources including single engine air tanker, a very large air tanker, and a type 1 (large) helicopter, currently staged in Sheridan, to help them check the growth of this fire.
The Wyoming State helicopter crew flew the fire perimeter yesterday and determined the acreage to be 25,600 acres all within Wyoming. The fire origin remains unknown.
Crews have been very successful and as of today fire activity has moderated with containment estimated at 75%, and full containment expected in a couple days if the weather cooperates.
There were over 40 people on this fire at one time however resources have downsized to 30 as of today. No injuries have been reported, and no structures were damaged. However, pasture fences were burnt, and a few power poles have been compromised and crews are working to inspect and replace them as necessary.
The predicted weather is to be continued hot and dry with dry thunderstorms starting tonight so folks are asked to please be very careful with anything that can start a fire such as trailer chains, cigarettes, catalytic converters and the like. Partial Fire Restrictions remain in place in Sheridan County and can be found at www.sheridancounty.com/depts/fire-protection-districts/
