Soldier Creek, United States - October 28, 2024 Unseasonably warm temperatures, low humidity, and gusty winds fueled aggressive fire behavior on the Elk Fire today, October 28, prompting the deployment of a Type 1 helicopter tanker. The tanker executed multiple water drops on an active fireline near Soldier Creek and along the fire's southwestern edge, where flames had spread from grasslands into dense timber just below a rock ledge. The strategic water drops successfully slowed the fire’s advance and extinguished flames along the western perimeter. The natural rock ledge also aided containment, serving as a barrier to prevent further eastward spread. Though smoke may remain visible in the area as timber continues to burn, officials report that today’s aerial response helped stabilize the fire front amidst challenging conditions.