Storm Hill Fire Update - Tuesda 4/26, 2016 at 10:30 AM

• The Storm Hill fire is 100% contained. 
• Crews will continue patrol status through the week.
• Cause remains under investigation.

Storm Hill Fire Update - Monday 4/25, 2016 at 4:20 PM

• The Storm Hill fire is now 100% contained.  When a fire is referred to as contained, it means a line is constructed around the fire perimeter, firefighters are working to extinguish or remove burning material near containment lines, and the spread is stopped. 
• Firefighters expect the line to hold with minimal firefighter intervention.  Today's plan to increase the security patrol fireline to 60 feet was successful.  
• This fire will transfer from a Type 3 incident to a Type 4 - which indicates that the complexity of this incident has lessened.  
• Cause remains under investigation.  

Storm Hill Fire Update - Monday, 4/25 @ 7:30 AM

* Fire now 75% contained; firefighters report a "good night" and have completed a 30 ft. security patrol line around all of fire. Today plan to increase it to 60 ft. security patrol line.
* No precipitation on fire overnight. 
* Size 193 acres, federal and private lands
* Traffic Hazards!  Many 'Looky Loo's' causing safety hazard as highway has many blind curves.  PLEASE HELP KEEP OUR FIREFIGHTERS AND ALL TRAVELERS IN THE AREA SAFE!

#StormHillFire Sunday evening update

Photo taken at about noon today by Tamara Dierks, SDWF
Photo shows the significant fuels, timber 'dead and down' and why folks will see smoke for several days. Weather conditions have improved containment. Crews have the edges secured and continue mop-up.

Storm Hill Fire

Update 4/24/16 at 3:30 PM

   * Fire size:  GPS today - 192 acres, private and US Forest Service Land
   * 50% contained
   * Resources: Federal, state and local
   * Human caused - under investigation
   * Fuels:  Heavy bug killed area; smoke will be visible for several days




Update 4/24/16 at 8:30 AM

Photos of Storm Hill Fire from last night and early this morning: (Photo credit: Randy Albright)

* Fire size estimated at 100+ acres.
* Hwy. 16/385 re-opened at 2:30 AM; If traveling in the area, Be alert for fire operations traffic
* Cause: investigation continues - determined 'not natural cause.' 
* Fire 50% contained, line established all around fire

Hwy. 16/385 will be closed for the night.

Update at 12:30 AM:  Fire estimated at 100 acres.  Burn-out operations being finalized. 
Updated photos at 11:15 PM  by Rob Lehmann, Incident Commander. Location by Mitchell Lake

New photos from Jim Burk, SDWF at 9:40 PM:

   * No containment report at this time, but firefighters have line established on the east, northwest and south side of the fire.  Burn out operations will continue through the night.        
* Fuels are bug killed trees with much 'dead & down'

New photo from 8:40 PM by Jim Strain SDWF Chief of Ops taken from Hwy. 385 by Three Forks:

Update at 7:40 PM - Hwy. 16/385 will be closed for the night.

   * Reported April 23, 2016 at 2:05 PM
   * Located east of Hill City by the sawmill - private and US Forest Service lands
   * Structures threatened
   * 25 acres
   * Resources on-site:  Federal, State of SD and Pennington County,hand crew
   * Cause undetermined, investigation requested
   * Two photos from Winston Cadotte, SDWF

#StormHillFire

Photo at 4:40 PM from Jim Burk, SDWF

Photo at 6:35 from Josh Hoffmann, Black Hills NF:

Bulldog Fire

Bulldog Fire
   * Reported 4/19/2016 at 3:47 PM
   * Located west of the Black Hills National Cemetery - private land
   * Size: <0.1 acre; Human caused
   * One SD State engine on - scene
   * Estimated containment at 5:30 PM

Schiefier Fire
   * Single tree-snag; 0.1 acre
   * On federal, US Forest Service land, Northern Hills of Black Hills National Forest
   * State and Federal resouces are on scene
   * Cause - Lightning

Fire Name: Cemetery - Update
   * Reported 4/13/16 at 6:24 pm.  Contained at 10:00 PM
   * Location:Keystone, SD-50 yards behind Keystone Cemetery. Federal, US Forest Service Land
   * Size & Fuels: 2.5 acres, mostly in timber
   * Resources: Keystone VFD, SD State and Federal
   * Cause: Under investigation

Swint Well Prescribed Fire to Continue at Custer State Park

For Immediate Release: April 13, 2016

Contact: Jeni Lawver, 605.381.7232

Swint Well Prescribed Fire to Continue at Custer State Park

RAPID CITY, S.D.- The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, and Custer State Park will continue the Swint Well prescribed burn in Custer State Park. Firefighters are planning on burning approximately 800 acres.

This burn is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 14. The Swint Well prescribed fire project is located in the southeast corner of Custer State Park near the Wildlife Visitor Station.

Firefighters successfully completed 395 acres of Unit 1 in the Swint Well prescribed fire area and 595 acres in the South Fork area at Custer State Park Tuesday.

Resource objectives for the burn include improving range conditions and grass habitat for wildlife.

Prescribed fire objectives include providing the seasonal firefighter work force the opportunity to improve their skills prior to fire season, to provide for trainee firefighters to work on task books to become qualified in positions in a more controlled manner with proper oversight of qualified firefighters, and to provide interagency cooperation.

Benefits also include providing the opportunities to improve relationships with adjacent property owners and agencies.

Prescribed fire is utilized to maintain healthy native vegetation communities and is needed to prevent the encroachment of invasive species.  Fire also reduces the hazardous buildup of debris and dead vegetation which can fuel wildfires.

Residents and visitors in the surrounding area of the prescribed burn may see smoke. This burn will primarily take place in grass fuels, so residual smoke should be limited. The area will continue to be monitored by firefighters.

Additional plans have been made with contingency resources in the event of an escape; resources will be present to assist for an additional margin of safety.

Participating agencies include:  South Dakota Wildland Fire, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, National Park Service, Custer State Park, Nebraska National Forests and Grasslands and the Black Hills National Forest.

Two Prescribed Fires Planned at Custer State Park

For Immediate Release: April 12, 2016

Contact: Jeni Lawver, 605.381.7232

Two Prescribed Fires Planned At Custer State Park

RAPID CITY, S.D.— The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and Custer State Park will be conducting two prescribed burns in Custer State Park this week.

These burns are scheduled to take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 12 and 13. The Swint Well prescribed fire project is located in the southeast corner of Custer State Park north of the Wildlife Visitor Station and the South Fork prescribed fire is located in the very southeast corner of the park. Firefighters are planning on burning approximately 1,000 acres.

Residents and visitors in the surrounding area of the prescribed burn may see smoke, although this burn will primarily take place in grass fuels, residual smoke should be limited. The area will continue to be monitored by firefighters in the days following the prescribed burns.

Additional plans have been made with contingency resources in the event of an escape; resources will be present to assist for an additional margin of safety.

Prescribed fire is utilized to maintain healthy native vegetation communities and is needed to prevent the encroachment of invasive species. Fire also reduces the hazardous buildup of debris and dead vegetation which can fuel wildfires.

Resource objectives for the burn include improving range conditions and grass habitat for wildlife. Prescribed fire objectives include providing the seasonal firefighter work force the opportunity to improve their skills prior to fire season, to provide for trainee firefighters to work on task books to become qualified in positions in a more controlled manner with proper oversight of qualified firefighters, and to provide interagency cooperation.

Benefits also include providing the opportunities to improve relationships with adjacent property owners and agencies.

Participating agencies include:  South Dakota Wildland Fire, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, Custer State Park, the Black Hills National Forest and the Nebraska National Forest.

New Report at 3:10 PM:
   * New fire reported near Boulder Hill Road.
   * Rockerville VFD and Federal resources enroute.
   * Smoldering campfire - reported at 4:00 PM.
   * UPDATE:  Reported "Out" at 4:15 PM


Bronco Fire:
   *  NE Spring Creek School  - private land
   *  Federal and local resources
   *  Reported 4/9/16 at 8:33 PM
   *  UPDATE:  Contained by Folsom VFD at 9:15 PM on 4/9/16.  Final size was 8.6 acres.

4/6/2016 @ 7:30 AM

Incident #1:

    * Coon Hallow Fire
    * Reported 4/5/2016 @ 11:03 PM
    * 0.1 acre
    * Federal, State & Local VFD responded
    * Cause - downed power line
    * Contained on 4/6/2016 @ 1:46 AM

Update at 9:45 PM

    * Draw Fire - 18.72 acres
    * Multi-jurisdiction, state and private
    * Contained at 8:30 PM
    * Cause under investigation

April 5, 2016 at 6:45 PM

Incident  #1:
    * Draw Fire, reported April 5 at 4:55 PM
    * Located Custer County, NW of Wind Cave National Park- unknown jurisdiction @ this time
            Note: New incident not related to Cold Fire
    * Size 20 acres
    * Federal, state, local VFD resources
    * Cause unknown

Aerial photo of the Draw Fire taken at 6 p.m. 4/5/16 by Jared Hohn, Black Hills National Forest

Incident #2:
    * Smoke report on April 5 at 5:50 PM
    * Location by Ardmore near railroad tracks
    * Negative report

Update April 4, 2016 @ 6:00 PM

   * Ingersoll Fire:  Contained today at 10:30 AM

   * Site 3 Fire:  Contained April 3 at 3:15 PM and Controlled today at 12:15 PM

   * For information on Cold Fire, call 605-388-2309

April 3,  2016 @ 12:00 Noon

Fire #1:
   * Site 3 Fire - 1 acre
   * Reported 4/3/16 @ 7:30 AM
   * McKelvie National Forest, Nebraska National Forests & Grasslands - on all public, USFS lands
   * Human caused, near campground
   * Resources: federal, two engines
   * 50% contained with estimated full containment at 4:00 PM today

Fire #2:
   * Ingersoll Fire - 0.1 acre
   * Reported 4/3/16 @ 9:45 AM
   * Private land 1 1/2 miles N/NW of Keystone, SD near Hwy. 16A
   * Human caused - escaped pile burn
   * Resources state engine

Cold Fire

Saturday, April 9, 2016 7:30 p.m. Update

• The Cold Fire is 100% contained.
• A fire engine will remain on scene. All other resources will be demobilized tomorrow morning (4/10/16).

Friday, April 8, 2016 7 p.m. Update

Note: Unless significant activity occurs, one update will be made each day on the Cold Fire after the evening briefing.

• 90% contained
• Crews are continuing mop up and patrol
• 50 personnel remain on scene

Thursday, April 7, 2016 7:30 p.m. Update

Note: Unless significant activity occurs, one update will be made each day on the Cold Fire after the evening briefing.

• 85% contained
• Crews are continuing mop up
• 50 personnel remain on scene
• Hwy 87 is open
• The Black Hills National Forest temporary closure order for the Cold Fire area remains in effect. 

Thursday, April 7, 2016 9:15 a.m.

Contact: Cold Fire Information

Phone: 605-388-2309

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com/

Today's plan on the Cold Fire is to continue mopping up, patrolling the fire line, and working toward 100% containment expected sometime this weekend.

The Type 3 team handed command to the Type 4 team, led by Incident Commander, Brice Stanton this morning.

Demobilization continues and many more resources will be released today. Firefighters will continue to staff and work the fire through the weekend or longer as conditions warrant.  

The Cold Fire is 1,895 acres after final mapping and 75% contained.

With turkey hunting season beginning this weekend, a reminder that the temporary closure order for the fire area issued by the Black Hills National Forest remains in effect until rescinded or through April 4, 2017.

###

 Elk in the vicinity of the Cold Fire area, photo by Jade Drause, Coyote 1 Stike Team, Colton Engine

Wednesday, April 6, 2016 6:45 p.m.

Contact: Cold Fire Information

Phone: 605-388-2309

Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com/

This is the last update today, 4/6/16. 

The Cold Fire reached 75% containment today due to continued efforts by firefighters. Today’s efforts have been focused on mop up and patrolling the fire line in preparation for turning the fire over to a Type 4 team tomorrow morning.

The Cold Fire is 1,895 acres after final mapping. Demobilization continues and many resources have been released from the fire.

50 personnel will remain on scene, including six type 6 engines, one type 4 engine, 1 handcrew, and 1 water tender.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team finished their assessment of rehabilitation needs today.

Incident Commander Trainee Trevor Papenfuss commended the firefighters for their safety record on the fire. “The safety record has been outstanding, but it is important to continue to stay engaged and maintain awareness of your surroundings.”

With turkey hunting season beginning this weekend, a reminder that the temporary closure order for the fire area issued by the Black Hills National Forest remains in effect until rescinded or through April 4, 2017.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

###

Crews continue mop-up today, 4/6/16 on the Cold Fire (Photos by: Public Affairs, Black Hills National Forest)

Photo by Tracy Anderson, Black Hills National Forest

Wednesday, April 6, 2016 9:00 a.m.

Contact: Cold Fire Information
Phone: 605-388-2309
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Unless there is significant activity, 2 updates will be posted, one after the morning briefing and one after the evening briefing.

Cold Fire Update

Today crews will focus on mop-up and patrolling the Cold fire line, as well as rehabilitating some internal firelines from the firefighting effort.

The Cold Fire remains at 1,896 acres and 60% contained.

The Type III Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Matt Spring, will begin transitioning command of the Cold Fire to a Type 4. Command will transfer to the Type 4 Team at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, 4/7/16.

Crews will begin demobilization today.

Some precipitation overnight aided crews in mop-up efforts which led to no more movement of the fire.

A Burned Area Emergency Response team from the Black Hills National Forest is assessing the fire area to determine the post –wildfire effects and identify the most effective rehabilitation treatments.

Hwy 87 has been opened. Travelers on Hwy 385 and Hwy 87 are advised to be very careful and watch for fire vehicles on the roads.

The Black Hills National Forest temporary closure order for the Cold Fire area remains in effect.

The Cold fire started on April 2, 2016, 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87.

###

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 7:30 p.m. Update

Contact: Cold Fire Information

Phone: 1-(605) 388-2309

Information Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com/

Unless there is significant activity, 2 updates will be posted, one after the morning briefing and one after the evening briefing.

Due to more accurate mapping data, fire size reduced in acreage to 1,896 acres, and 60% contained.  It has burned 1,323 acres on the Black Hills National Forest, 316 acres on Wind Cave National Park, and 256 acres on private land.

Nineteen engines, four type 2 hand crews (20 people each), 1 dozer, two type 1 helicopters, one type 3 helicopter, and 1 fixed wing aircraft for a total of two-hundred and fifteen personnel are currently assigned to the Cold Fire.

Black Hills National Forest Incident Commander Trainee, Trevor Papenfuss said, “Today’s gusty winds were a test for control lines that the firefighters put in on Sunday and Monday.”

Today, Cold Fire operations concentrated on strengthening containment lines established by yesterday’s highly successful aerial ignition and crew suppression efforts. Crews worked to ensure hot spots along the perimeter were extinguished and will continue mop up for several days.

High wind, snags, and low humidity remained a concern today.  Objectives continue to be to provide for firefighter and public safety, protect homes and subdivisions, protect Wind Cave National Park infrastructure, natural resources, and protect wildlife habitat and Custer State Park.  No fire fighter injuries have been reported.

The cause remains under investigation.  No evacuations have been issued and no structures have been lost. Structure protection remains in place.

The Black Hills National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for the Cold Fire area. This closure is for public safety. Exempted from the order are local residents, persons with permits, and persons involved with the firefighting operations.

The Cold fire started on April 2, 2016, 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87.

Tuesday, April 5, 2016 9:00 a.m. Update

Contact: Cold Fire Information

Phone: 1-(605) 388-2309

Information Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Unless there is significant activity, 2 updates will be posted, one after the morning briefing and one after the evening briefing.

Today Cold Fire operations will be concentrated on strengthening containment lines established by yesterday’s highly successful aerial ignition and crew suppression efforts. Crews will also be working to ensure hot spots along the perimeter are extinguished and will continue mop up.  

The Black Hills National Forest has issued a temporary closure order for the Cold Fire area. This closure is for public safety. Exempted from the order are local residents, persons with permits, and persons involved with the firefighting operations. (Closure Order Map)

Predicted 35 – 40 mph winds, snags, and low humidity are a concern today and safety remains the number one priority. “This is not your typical April Day,” said Cold Fire Safety Officer Gale Gire.

The Cold Fire remains at 1,900 acres in size, and 30% contained.  It has burned 1,258 acres on the Black Hills National Forest, 319 acres on Wind Cave National Park, and 328 acres on private land.

195 personnel are currently assigned to this fire. This includes 19 engines, three type 3 hand crews (20 people each), 2 dozers, two type 1 helicopters, one type 3 helicopter, and 1 fixed wing aircraft.

Black Hills National Forest Incident Commander Matt Spring would like to thank all of the public support as firefighters work to suppress and contain the fire.

Objectives continue to be to provide for firefighter and public safety, protect homes and subdivisions, protect Wind Cave National Park infrastructure, natural resources, and protect wildlife habitat and Custer State Park.  No fire fighter injuries have been reported.

The cause remains under investigation.  No evacuations have been issued and no structures have been lost. Structure protection remains in place.

The Cold fire started on April 2, 2016, 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87.

Photo by Tracy Anderson, Black Hills National Forest

April 4, 2016 – 7:00 PM Update, Cold Fire Information: (605) 388-2309 

Fire Information Hours - 8:00 am to 8:00 pm

Unless there is significant activity, 2 updates will be posted, one after the morning briefing and one after the evening briefing

Custer, SD – The Cold Fire remained at 1,900 acres in size, but is now 30% contained.  It has burned 1,258 acres on the Black Hills National Forest, 319 acres on Wind Cave National Park, and 328 acres on private land.

154 personnel are currently assigned to this fire. This includes 19 engines, three type 2 hand crews (20 people each), 2 dozers, two type 1 helicopters, one type 3 helicopter, and 1 fixed wing aircraft.

With the help of milder weather and calmer winds, good progress was made on the fire today with crews working to improve control lines and mop up, to ensure hot spots along the perimeter are extinguished.  Aerial ignition was used to burn out on the north end to tie the active fire into control lines. 

Night resources will focus on hot spots and patrolling in anticipation of strong winds in excess of 50 + mph predicted to start late this evening and intensify throughout the day tomorrow.

According to Trevor Papenfuss, the Incident Commander Trainee, “We still have a lot of work to do and this fire still has potential to grow.  But firefighters have worked hard and have done a great job of setting themselves up for tomorrow’s forecast.  The fire could have easily become much larger if it had not burned into areas that had recently been treated for fuels reduction through prescribed burning and mechanical treatment.” 

Along with aggressive suppression, objectives continue to be to provide for firefighter and public safety, protect homes and subdivisions, protect Wind Cave National Park infrastructure and natural resources, and protect wildlife habitat and Custer State Park.  No fire fighter injuries have been reported.

An investigation as to the cause is ongoing.  No evacuations have been issued and no structures have been lost. Structure protection remains in place.

The Cold fire started on April 2, 2016, 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87.

Cold Fire Aerial Photo

A few photos from last night's firing operations (photos by Corey Jonas, Keystone Fire Department)

  Cold Fire Air Attack Photos by Jerry Krueger, Black Hills National Forest

Photo: Night Firing ops, south side of fire, by Michael Engelhart, Black Hills National Forest

April 4, 2016 - 10:00 AM Update, Cold Fire Information: (605) 388-2309 

Unless there is significant activity, 2 updates will be posted, one after the morning briefing and one after the evening briefing

Custer, SD – The Cold Fire is estimated at 1,900 acres in size, 20% contained, and has burned 1,258 acres on the Black Hills National Forest, 319 acres on Wind Cave National Park, and 328 acres on private land.

200 personnel are currently assigned to this fire. This includes 44 engines, three type 2 hand crews (20 people each), two type 1 helicopters, one type 3 helicopter, 2 fixed wings and 1 air tanker.

Today’s objectives are to provide for firefighter and public safety, protect homes and subdivisions, protect Wind Cave National Park infrastructure and natural resources, and protect wildlife habitat and Custer State Park.

Dry fuels, erratic winds, rough terrain and low humidity remain a concern as firefighters and emergency responders continue work to contain this fire. High winds tomorrow and spotting activity also remain a concern.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. No evacuations have been issued and no structures have been lost. Structure protection remains in place.

Significant smoke may be visible as interior fuels continue to burn and smolder. Custer, SD and surrounding area will be impacted by smoke due to south winds.

Firefighters gained a significant advantage when the fire burned into the 'Section 2 Prescribed Burn Area. The recent prescribed burn provided fewer fuels for the fire to consume and caused a significant decrease in fire activity. Fuels treatment on private land also helped create defensible space.

The Cold fire started on April 2, 2016, 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87.

Note: This is the last update today.

Information Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.

April 3, 2016 - 8:20 PM Update, Cold Fire Information: (605) 388-2309

Cold Fire Update

Custer, SD - Todays operations on the Cold Fire have been successful in helping corral the Fire. The Cold Fire is approximately 1300 acres and 10% contained.

200 personnel are currently assigned to this fire. This includes 44 engines, three type 2 hand crews (20 people each), two type 1 helicopters, one type 3 helicopter, 2 fixed wings and 1 air tanker. More crews and equipment have been ordered and are enroute.

“There has been considerable initial attack and suppression efforts from all of the cooperating agencies on the Cold Fire,” said Black Hills National Forest Incident Commander Matt Spring.

Rough terrain and strong erratic winds continue to be a challenge. There are no evacuations and no structures have been lost.

Fire resources will continue to utilize direct and indirect line construction, along with firing operations where necessary to implement a full suppression strategy.

Resources will remain on the fire overnight and will continue to construct indirect fire line in the northwest area of fire and if conditions permit, prepare for firing operations.

Road closures remain in effect and include portions of Highway 87, Flynn Creek Road to Glen Erin Road, the intersection of county road 391 & FSR 435, south of cold springs school and Beaver Creek Road and Bowman Ridge Road are closed to Highway 385. The public should contact the fire information line for updated information on closures. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

The Cold Fire is located approximately four miles east of Pringle, SD burning primarily on the Black Hills National Forest, Wind Cave National Park, Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and private land.

Correction: Rifle Pit Road is not closed. The intersection of county road 391 & FSR 435 is closed.

April 3, 2016 - 2:15 PM Update, Cold Fire Information: (605) 388-2309 

Cold Fire Update

Custer, SD - The Cold Fire, located 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87, started on Saturday, April 2, 2016 and continues to burn in rugged terrain. The fire is estimated at 1200 acres. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Crews are continuing to improve containment lines and are working to fully suppress the fire. Burnout operations last night were very successful and beneficial. Despite gusty winds, crews continue to gain ground. Smoke remains visible.

200 personnel are assigned to this fire. This includes 44 engines, three type 2 hand crews (20 people each), four type 1 helicopters, one type 3 helicopter, 2 fixed wings and 1 air tanker. More crews and equipment have been ordered and are en-route.

Air attack provided water drops throughout the day to temporarily cool hot spots so firefighters could more safely and effectively attack the fire.

Fire managers continue to work closely with interagency cooperators from the local area and cooperative effort has been excellent.

No evacuation orders are in place.

Current road closures include portions of Highway 87, Flynn Creek Road to Glen Erin Road, and Beaver Creek Road and Bowman Ridge Road are closed to Highway 385. The public should contact the fire information line for updated information on closures. 

An incident command post is established at the old Custer Elementary School in Custer, SD.

 Photos by Tracy Anderson, Black Hills National Forest

 Photo by Jerry Krueger, Black Hills National Forest

###

April 3, 2016 - 9:15 AM Update, Cold Fire Information: (605) 388-2309

Custer, SD – As of 8AM, the Cold Fire is estimated at 1,000 acres in size, burning on the Black Hills
National Forest, Wind Cave National Park, Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and private land.

Federal, State and local resources are working to contain the Cold Fire. An estimated 150 firefighters are on scene to include hand crews, fire engines, and overhead.

Today’s objectives are to provide for firefighter and public safety, protect homes and subdivisions, protect Wind Cave National Park infrastructure and natural resources, and protect wildlife habitat and Custer State Park. Fire managers are strategizing fire suppression tactics while monitoring fire behavior, the terrain, and weather forecasts.

Air resources have been ordered on this fire include an Air Attack platform, two National Guard Black Hawk helicopters, two Heavy Air Tankers, and one light helicopter.

The fire is currently not contained and the cause is under investigation. Current road closures include portions of Highway 87, Flynn Creek Road to Glen Erin Road, and Beaver Creek Road closed to Highway 385. (Please note correction: closed to Hwy 385 instead of Hwy 87). The public should contact the fire information line for updated information on closures. 

No evacuations have been issued and no structures have been lost.

Engines were dispatched to a smoke report 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87 on Saturday April 2, 2016 around 4:00PM. Due to high winds, the fire rapidly spread to the northeast and a Type III Incident Management team, led by Forest Service Incident Commander, Matt Spring was called in to manage the fire.

Dry fuels, erratic winds, rough terrain and low humidity are a concern as firefighters and emergency responders work to contain this fire.

Firefighters gained a significant advantage when the fire burned into the 'Section 2 Prescribed Burn Area,' that was burned approximately 18 months ago. The recent prescribed burn provided fewer fuels for the fire to consume and caused a significant decrease in fire activity.

Reminder: Open fires are prohibited in the Black Hills Fire Protection District on National Forest land
in South Dakota, except in designated recreational sites.

Update 11:15 PM - Please Note: This is the last update today. 

Cold Fire Information: (605) 388-2309 

Custer, SD - Federal, State and local resources are working to contain the Cold Fire.

Engines were dispatched to a smoke report 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87 on Saturday April 2, 2016 around 4:00PM. Due to high winds, the fire rapidly spread to the northeast and a Type III Incident Management team, led by Forest Service Incident Commander, Matt Spring was called in to manage the fire.

As of 10PM, the Cold Fire is estimated at 600 acres in size, burning on the Black Hills National Forest, Wind Cave National Park, Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and private land.

The fire is currently not contained and the cause is under investigation. Portions of Highway 87 and Beaver Creek road are closed near the fire. No evacuations have been issued.

150 firefighters are on scene with an additional 250-300 expected Sunday as well as additional fire engines, air tankers and helicopter aerial support.

Dry fuels, erratic winds and low humidity are a concern as firefighters and emergency responders work to contain this fire.

Firefighters gained a significant advantage when the fire burned into the 'Section 2 Prescribed Burn Area,' that was burned approximately 18 months ago. The recent prescribed burn provided fewer fuels for the fire to consume and caused a significant decrease in fire activity.

Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Craig Bobzien said, "We would like to thank the public for their support and adjustments enabling firefighters room to perform their jobs."

Fire managers are strategizing fire suppression tactics while monitoring fire behavior, the terrain, and weather forecasts. Firefighter and public safety are a primary concern.

Reminder: Open fires are prohibited in the Black Hills Fire Protection District on National Forest land in South Dakota, except in designated recreational sites.

Photo by Jerry Krueger, Black Hills National Forest

Photo by Tracy Anderson, Black Hills National Forest

Cold Fire burn out operations -photos by Brady Rothschadl

Updated at 8:30

* Cold Fire - Update at 8:30 P.M.
* Fire now full type-3.  Incident management team ordered and enroute
* Fire made significant run - multiple structures were threatened, however protected by fire fighters and resources on scene
* Fire now 600 acres:  including federal lands, Wind Cave National Park, Black Hills National Forest, Norbeck Wildlife Preserve and private land. Timber and grass fuels.
* 150 firefighters on scene with additional 250-300 expected in the morning as well as engines, air tankers and helicopter aerial support
* Significant advantage gained when fire burned into the 'Section 2 Prescribed Burn Area,' that was burned approximately 18 months ago - which provided significant decrease in fire activity

Cold Fire photos by Jim Strain. 

Update at 6:55 pm

*estimated size is now 200 acres

*Air resources have been ordered for tomorrow - TFR is in place

*Fire is burning in grass and timber

* Reported April 2, 2016 at 3:48 pm
* Located 4 miles east of Pringle, SD near Highway 87
* Federal jurisdiction - Forest Service Land - 75 acres
* Resources enroute - Federal, State and Local VFDs responding
* Cause Unknown at this time