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Update 4:35 p.m. Aug. 23, 2024
Johnson County Commissioners have signed an emergency declaration to allow for more resources to be brought in to assist with the House Draw Fire burning near Buffalo.
The lightning-ignited blaze is now estimated at 165,000 acres and is 0 percent contained.
Evacuation orders for the area have been lifted. But residents should remain vigilant in case conditions change.
Interstate 90 between Gillette and Buffalo and Highway 59 have been reopened.
About 190 people are working to contain the fire on the ground and by air.
The House Draw Fire now has its own Facebook page that’s regularly updated.
The public is asked to avoid the area – and not call the police or sheriff for updates on the fire – to allow crews to work.
Much of Wyoming will be under a Red Flag Warning Saturday midday into the evening. Low humidities and strong gusty winds could cause erratic fire behavior.
Several other communities in northeast Wyoming are under varying levels of evacuation orders and warnings.
To receive warnings directly, sign up for Code Red Emergency Alerts.
Update 3:45 p.m. Aug. 22, 2024
A fire burning southeast of Buffalo exploded to more than 160,000 acres today.
The House Draw Fire started yesterday from a lightning strike. It’s closed I-90 from Buffalo to Gillette, along with Highway 59 and nearby county roads.
An evacuation order remains in effect for residents north of I-90 from Tipperary Road to the northern and eastern county lines, for residents of Buffalo near Sussex cutoff, Residents of Prairieland Village between Cook Road and I-90.
About 60 structures are threatened.
A shelter is open at Bomber Mountain Civic Center in Buffalo. Indoor pets are welcome. Livestock can be taken to the Johnson County Fairgrounds or Buffalo Sale Barn.
Sheridan County has also issued voluntary evacuation notices for areas east of Double Cross Road north of the Johnson County Line to Highway 14. Residents of Clearmont and Arvada should prepare.
Authorities are asking people to please stay out of the area as traffic congestion prohibits first responders from accessing critical points.
The fire remains active. It’s burning in sagebrush and grasslands. About 70 firefighters are hitting it from the air and ground, with multiple county, state and federal agencies responding.
Portions of Johnson County, south of Buffalo, are under an evacuation order due to a wildfire.
Residents north of I-90 from Tipperary Road to the northern and eastern county lines are urged to evacuate. I-90 is closed between Buffalo and Gillette as the fire crosses the freeway, moving north-northeast.
Residents on Trabing are not currently under evacuation orders.
A shelter is open at Bomber Mountain Civic Center in Buffalo. Indoor pets are welcome. Livestock can be taken to the Johnson County Fairgrounds or Buffalo Sale Barn.
The fast moving, wind-driven House Draw Fire was discovered this morning. It’s burning about 4,000 acres.
Winds are expected to ease by 6 p.m., which could help slow the spread of the fire.
Authorities are asking people to please stay out of the area. Traffic congestion prohibits first responders from accessing critical points.
Fire engines from Johnson County, Powder River Fire Department, and the Forest Service are also responding in addition to aerial support from Single Engine Airtankers and a Large Airtanker, according to Bureau of Land Management Wyoming. A Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT) has been ordered.
BLM fire crews are assisting in response to the House Draw Fire located southeast of Buffalo, WY. The fire is currently estimated at 4,000 acres. Fire engines from Johnson County, Powder River Fire Department, and the Forest Service are also responding in addition to aerial support from Single Engine Airtankers and a Large Airtanker. A Very Large Airtanker has been ordered. The fire is fast-moving and wind driven – for the safety of firefighters and the public, please avoid the area at this time.
