Prescribed Fire at Stockade Lake

South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks have started ignitions on a prescribed burn at Stockade Lake.

Firefighters are planning on burning approximately five acres. This project is located on the west side of Stockade Lake near the beach and boat ramp area in Custer State Park.

The objectives of the burn are to reduce the hazardous buildup of debris and dead vegetation, which can fuel wildfires, and remove the dead layer of reeds to stimulate new growth.  Weather conditions will be monitored closely to ensure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.

Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas and can linger for several days after ignition has been completed. Fire crews will secure, patrol and monitor fire lines as appropriate for public and firefighter safety. For more information on smoke management visit:  http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com/p/smoke-management.html. 

Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire Planned West of Rapid City, SD

Check out Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire Photos at: https://www.facebook.com/pg/blackhillsnf/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1879411548986106

Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire Planned West of Rapid City, SD

Rapid City, SD, October 30, 2017 – The Mystic Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning to ignite 108 acres on the Silver Mountain project Tuesday, October 31, depending on weather. Smoke will be visible for several miles and could impact Highway 16, Hill City, Rapid City and other surrounding areas. Crews have been preparing to implement the project to meet management objectives for several years.

The Silver Mountain project area is located approximately 10 miles west/southwest of Rapid City, SD between Highway 16 and Sheridan Lake Road, along Boulder Hill Road to the west.

The goal of the Silver Mountain Prescribed Fire is to maintain a mosaic of vegetation conditions created by the Battle Creek Fire of 2002. This project will lessen the severity and extent of future wildfires in the project area by breaking up the continuity of dead, downed fuels, ultimately reducing those fuel loads. Fire will also be utilized as a tool to thin pine regeneration and increase canopy base heights. Additionally, this burn will stimulate browse for big game species.

After many years of fire exclusion, an ecosystem, such as the Black Hills, needs periodic fire to remain healthy. Without it, trees are stressed by overcrowding, fire-dependent species disappear, and flammable fuels build up and become hazardous.

Forest visitors, including hunters, are asked to be aware of their surroundings and watch for prescribed burning operations in the months ahead. Areas where burning operations are taking place will be signed to notify visitors. The public is also encouraged to contact a nearby Forest Service office with questions.

As conditions permit, fire officials will continue to assess ignition of other prescribed burn units across the Black Hills National Forest.

For more information on Black Hills National Forest prescribed fire, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=STELPRDB5112694

-USDA-

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10/30/17 - NOTE: Bearlodge Fire is planning to burn hand piles in the Cook Lake campground area today and continuing through the week, depending on weather and snow cover. It is part of a multi-year fuel treatment at the administrative site.

October 24, 2017

Oak Meadows Wildfire

Reported:  12:15 pm, Oct 24, 2017
Location:  Play House road and Hwy 40 (2 miles northeast of Lakota Lake)
Size:  .35 acres
Cause:  Unknown
Resources:  Federal, State and local

Hand Piles burning Oct 2,2017

Black Hills National Forest Central Zone Fire is planning to ignite hand piles in the Tigerville area, Hound Dog unit 1, on Monday, October 2, weather permitting. 

This project is located approximately 5 miles northwest of Hill City, SD.

Smoke may be visible from Tigerville, Hill City, along Deerfield Road and the surrounding area. Firefighters will remain on scene monitoring the piles for as long as needed.

Weather conditions will be monitored closely to ensure conditions align with management objectives.