FOOT CREEK

Lines encircle perimeter while nearby cabins remain under evacuation warnings

The fire is burning west of Buffalo in Johnson County, primarily across the Bighorn National Forest with a small section on private land. Over the last 72 hours, firefighters encircled the fire with dozer and containment lines and used drone-assisted burnouts to consume interior fuels. Nearby cabins and residences remain threatened, prompting ongoing mop-up around buildings and overnight patrols.

Evacuations and Closures

• November 8: Residences and cabins near the fire remain in SET status (be prepared to evacuate), as directed by the Johnson County Sheriff's Office.
• November 6: Bighorn National Forest closed Forest Roads 19 (Hunter), 366 (Cull Watt), and 368 (French Creek) to public access.
• November 5: Drivers on US Highway 16 between Forest Service Road 19 and Country Lane are advised to reduce speed and watch for emergency traffic due to reduced visibility from smoke.

Impact

Smoke from burnout operations has reduced travel visibility along US Highway 16 west of Buffalo. No damaged structures or injuries have been reported.

Conditions and Outlook

Winds will shift from westerly to east-northeasterly before turning gusty from the northwest by mid-week, accompanied by cooling conditions, dry air, and little chance of rain. Crews plan to strengthen and patrol established control lines, extinguish remaining hot spots near buildings, and monitor for any flare-ups along the perimeter.

Cause and Context

The U.S. Forest Service confirmed on November 6 that the fire was human-caused. A Wyoming Type 3 Incident Management Team is managing suppression in coordination with federal, state, and county partners.

Official updates current through November 8, 2026.