Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Angostura State Park Prescribed Fire, April 25 and 26, 2018

Thursday, April 26 Update
Ignitions have been completed on the Angostura and Sheps Canyon Recreation Areas Prescribed Fire. Firefighters will continue to secure, patrol and monitor the area as appropriate to ensure public and firefighter safety. Smoke may linger in the area for several days after ignition has been completed.
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Angostura State Park Prescribed Fire, photo taken by Adam Fritz

Angostura State Park Prescribed Fire, photo taken by Gail Schmidt

Angostura State Park Prescribed Fire, photo taken by Gail Schmidt

For Immediate Release: April 25, 2018
                                                                                    Media Contact: Jeni Lawver,                                                                                                                               605.381.7232

Prescribed Fire to be Ignited at Angostura State Park

Rapid City, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks are planning to ignite the Angostura State Park prescribed fire on Wednesday, April 25. Mop up and monitoring will continue the following days.

Firefighters are planning on burning approximately 137 acres. This project is located in the northeast corner of Angostura State Park.

Objectives of the burn are to improve native grass growth and to provide safe and quality training for the firefighting staff. Weather conditions will be monitored closely to ensure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.

Prescribed fire is used to maintain healthy native vegetation 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.

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