About Clearmont Fire District
Volunteer-powered. Community-driven.
Our History
In 1924, local residents of southeastern Sheridan County came together to organize a volunteer fire protection service for their ranching communities. What began as a single-truck operation has grown into a multi-station district responding to fire, rescue, and emergency medical calls across hundreds of square miles of rural Wyoming. Over 100 years later, that same spirit of neighbor helping neighbor still drives everything we do.
Our Stations & Coverage Area
The Clearmont Fire District serves four communities and surrounding ranch and farmland in southeastern Sheridan County, Wyoming — approximately 38 miles southeast of Sheridan, with an average emergency response time of under 18 minutes.
Clearmont Fire Station (Headquarters)
1260 Front Street, Clearmont, WY 82835
Wyarno Station
623 Wyarno Road, Sheridan, WY 82801
Arvada Station
124 Main St, Arvada, WY 82831
Ucross Station
1797 US Highway 16, Ucross, WY 82835
Our Team
The Clearmont Fire District is staffed entirely by volunteers — 76 trained volunteer firefighters and 10 civilian support staff who give their time to protect our community. Our volunteers respond to fire suppression, rescue operations, and emergency medical calls.
Fire Chief: Josh McKinley · FireChiefCFD01@gmail.com
Assistant Chief: Fritz Bates
Fire Chief Josh McKinley
I began my fire service career with the Dayton Fire Department in 2001, serving as a Captain on the Rescue Unit at the age of 23. Alongside my fire service experience, I worked as an EMT for Rocky Mountain Ambulance. As a charter member of the Goose Valley Fire Department, I served as a Lieutenant before pursuing a career in law enforcement.
My commitment to the fire service continued with the Clearmont Fire Department, where I have proudly served for the past eight years. In 2021, I was elected to the Department’s board and later appointed Assistant Chief. In 2024, I was honored to be elected Fire Chief, continuing a lifelong dedication to public safety, leadership, and service to the community.
Fire Chief Josh McKinley
Left to right: Sheridan County Fire Warden Chris Thomas, Fire Chief Josh McKinley, and Assistant Chief Fritz Bates
Board of Directors
- John Auzqui — Chair
- Terry Waugh — Vice Chair
- Michelle Reinke — Secretary/Treasurer
- Ken Bates — Board Member
- Zack McClain — Board Member
The board meets the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Meetings are open to the public.