Governor Urges Federal Disaster Aid as Wildfires Ravage Over 629,000 Acres in Wyoming

Governor Requests Disaster Declaration for Wildfire ImpactsPhoto byOffice of the Governor of Wyoming

By Kristy Tallman, September 16, 2024

CHEYENNE, WY — Governor Mark Gordon is requesting a disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in response to the wildfires that have ravaged more than 629,000 acres across Wyoming. Much of the burned land is privately owned and used for agricultural production, amplifying the impact on local farmers and ranchers.

In a letter to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, Governor Gordon emphasized the severe toll these wildfires have taken on agricultural lands and the need for federal assistance. Fire season is still active, with two major blazes—the Short Draw Fire along the Montana/Wyoming border and the Fish Creek Fire near Togwotee Pass—continuing to burn, each affecting more than 30,000 acres.

To support affected agricultural operations, Governor Gordon has extended his Executive Order, which eases restrictions on the transportation of livestock feed and livestock, enabling quicker delivery of essential supplies to those impacted by the fires.

If the USDA grants the disaster declaration, Wyoming could receive federal aid, including financial assistance for landowners, emergency loans for farmers and ranchers, and other forms of relief aimed at helping the agricultural community recover.

Firefighting efforts continue across the state, with priority given to protecting critical infrastructure and agricultural lands.

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By Kristy Tallman, September 16, 2024
The Republic News

Source: Office of the Governor, Wyoming

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