Crater Ridge (Wildfire)

The Crater Ridge Fire ignited on July 17 in a remote area of the Medicine Wheel Ranger District of the Bighorn National Forest. It quickly grew to 200 acres. The local response was quick with aerial and ground resources.   The Bighorn National Forest is heavily recreated in and numerous travel trailers were located in the area of the fire. To allow for the safe exit of the public and ease access for the firefighters the Forest implemented a closure in effect for much of the National Forest lands north of Highway 14 and east of the Big Horn/Sheridan County line.   The Rocky Mountain Type 2 Incident Management Blue Team was ordered and took command of the fire on Monday, July 19. Fire leadership is making long-term plans for full suppression of the Crater Ridge fire as existing hazards, including difficult access, continuous fuels, and steep terrain prevent working directly along the fire’s edge.  Stage 1 fire restrictions are in effect in Sheridan County and the Bighorn…