December 23, 2020 - Update

American Center

Location: Custer Co, near 24884 American Center Rd

Reported: December 23^rd

Size: 48.36 acres (2.8 acres on private land)

Resources: Local, State, and Federal

Cause: Human / downed powerline

Containment: Expected 100% by end of day

 

Court

Location: Custer Co. near Hazelrodt Picnic Area

Reported: December 23^rd

Size: .01 acre

Resources: Local

Cause: Unknown/Under Investigation

Contain: December 23^rd 9:30am

Control: December 23^rd 10:00am

12/8/20: No Ignition Planned on Beartown RX today, Black Hills National Forest

No additional ignition is planned today (12/8/20) on the Beartown RX, SW of Spearfish, SD. Crews stayed on the project overnight and will continue to patrol and monitor the project area for the next several days. Residual smoke may remain in the surrounding area for a few days. 

Photos: Beartown RX, taken 12/7/20 by Brian Rafferty, Black Hills National Forest

12/7/20: Forest Service Continues Prescribed Burn Southwest of Spearfish, SD

2:15 p.m. Update: Firefighters have completed ignitions and successfully burned 140 acres today on the Beartown RX.

Photos: Beartown RX, 12/7/20, by Josh Hoffmann, Black Hills National Forest

10:15 a.m. Update: Firefighters conducted a test burn this morning (12/7) on the Beartown RX (SW of Spearfish, SD). Fuels are receptive for burning, conditions are within prescription and firefighters are proceeding with ignition. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD860817

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.

Upcoming 12/7/20: Northern Hills to Continue Prescribed Burn Southwest of Spearfish, SD

(Beartown RX taken 11/4/20/USDA Forest Service)

Spearfish, SD, December 4, 2020 – The Northern Hills Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning to ignite up to 150 acres on the Beartown Prescribed Fire Project the week of December 7th, southwest of Spearfish, SD, near Iron Creek Lake.

Firefighters will conduct a test burn the morning of the Dec. 7 or 8 to check conditions and see if fuels are receptive for burning. If everything is within prescription and the test burn goes as planned, officials will continue with ignitions.

Smoke may impact the communities of Spearfish and Lead/Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon and residences along Forest Service Road 134.

“The Northern Hills Ranger District appreciates the support of our communities as we continue forward with this project,” said Brian Rafferty, Assistant Fire Management Officer on the Northern Hills Ranger District.

In an effort to reduce smoke impacts in the communities, fire officials have reduced the acreages to be burned, prioritized areas that will burn uniformly by igniting on the southern aspects of the unit, and will complete ignition during the late afternoon for improved smoke dispersal.

“We understand the concerns that some area residents have about smoke and that even with our mitigations, it will still effect some areas,” said Rafferty. “Our goal is to minimize smoke impacts to a few hours in the afternoon. Reducing hazardous fuels now will be beneficial in reducing the intensity and severity of future wildland fires.”

Fire managers use prescribed fire to reduce accumulations of woody debris (or slash) and common ground juniper. Additionally, the project will improve habitat for large game that enjoy the area.

The Beartown Project area is located approximately 8 miles south of Spearfish, SD and 12 miles west of Lead, SD.

There are multiple units of consideration off FSR 214. Fire officials said the roads in the area will remain open but ask drivers to use caution and slow down if driving in the area. With reduced visibility from smoke possible, please do not stop along the FSR 214 (Higgins Gulch Rd), as this can create a hazard for fire vehicles in the area.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest call (605) 673-9200 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.

-USDA- 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

12/4/20: Forest Service Continues Burn near Hill City, SD

The Forest Service is continuing the Long Draw Prescribed Burn Project (near Hill City, SD) today, Fri. 12/4/20 and plan to burn an additional 327 acres. Conducting burns now will help reduce the chance of a catastrophic wildfire, in these previously burned areas, during the hot summer months.

Photo taken this a.m. (12/4/20) of the test burn by Matt Daigle, Black Hills National Forest

Smoke from the prescribed burn may move towards Custer. Thank you again to the public and communities for being supportive during this project. 

The benefits from a burn are many...

The right fire, at the right place, at the right time can reduce hazardous fuels, protect communities from extreme fires; minimize the spread of pest insects; remove unwanted species that threaten species native to an ecosystem; provide forage for game; improve habitat for species; recycle nutrients back to the soil; and promote the growth of trees, wildflowers and other plants.

Photos: Long Draw RX, 12/4/20 by Matt Daigle, Black Hills National Forest

12/3/20: Forest Service Prescribed Burn Occurring near Hill City, SD

If you see smoke in the air, there is a prescribed burn happening on the Black Hills National Forest today (12/3) near Hill City, SD. The test burn was a success and firefighters are proceeding with ignition. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD859769.

Smoke from the prescribed burn near Hill City today may be impacting areas south of Hill City, north of Custer, SD and the Black Elk Wilderness. Fire officials appreciate the support of our local communities during this project. Reducing hazardous fuels now will be beneficial in reducing the intensity and severity of future wildland fires. 

Photos: Long Draw Project, 12/3/20, by Matt Daigle, Black Hills National Forest

USFS Prescribed Burns Week of November 30

Beartown Prescribed Burn near Spearfish, SD / Iron Creek Lake

The Northern Hills Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning to burn up to 200 acres on the Beartown Prescribed Fire Project this week, southwest of Spearfish, SD, near Iron Creek Lake.  If conditions allow, crews may burn from Nov 30 through Dec 3.  

Smoke may impact the communities of Spearfish and Lead/Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon and residences along Forest Service Road 134. 

Long Draw Prescribed Burn near Hill City, SD

The Mystic Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning a 500-acre prescribed burn on the Long Draw Project. If conditions allow, crews may begin burning on Wednesday, Dec. 2 and possibly continuing through Thursday, Dec. 3.

The Long Draw project area is located 6 miles southwest of Hill City and 10 miles northwest of Custer, in the vicinity of Reno Gulch and Medicine Mountain Roads.

Smoke will be visible for several miles and could impact Hill City, Custer, Reno Gulch Rd., Medicine Mountain Rd., and surrounding areas.

Black Hills National Forest to Continue Prescribed Burn Southwest of Spearfish, SD

(Photo: Beartown Rx Project taken 11/4/20, USDA Forest Service)

Spearfish, SD, November 30, 2020 – The Northern Hills Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning to ignite up to 200 acres on the Beartown Prescribed Fire Project this week, southwest of Spearfish, SD, near Iron Creek Lake.

Firefighters will conduct a test burn this morning to check conditions and see if fuels are receptive for burning. If everything is within prescription and the test burn goes as planned, officials will continue with ignition today, November 30.

Additional units are also planned and may be carried out throughout the week if conditions are favorable.

Smoke may impact the communities of Spearfish and Lead/Deadwood, Spearfish Canyon and residences along Forest Service Road 134.

“This could be a multiple day burn; possibly starting today, Monday November 30th, and, we may burn into Thursday December 3rd, if conditions warrant,” said Brian Rafferty, Fuels Specialist from North Zone Fire Management, Black Hills National Forest. “Resources from South Dakota Division of Wildland Fire and the City of Spearfish may assist with operations.”

The Beartown Project area is located approximately 8 miles south of Spearfish, SD and 12 miles west of Lead, SD.

The primary objective of the prescribed burn is to reduce the intensity and severity of future wildland fires. Fire managers will use prescribed fire to reduce accumulations of woody debris (or slash) and common ground juniper. Additionally, the project will improve habitat for large game that enjoy the area.

There are multiple units of consideration off FSR 214. Fire officials said the roads in the area will remain open but ask drivers to use caution and slow down if driving in the area. With reduced visibility from smoke possible, please do not stop along the FSR 214 (Higgins Gulch Rd), as this can create a hazard for fire vehicles in the area.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest call (605) 673-9200 or visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.

-USDA- 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Nov 26-27, 2020

641 Wildfire

Reported: 8:04 am, Nov 26

Location: 3 miles SE of Rockerville, SD

Size: .1 acre

Resources: Local and Federal

Cause: Human - under investigation

Contained at 10:45 am, Nov 26; Controlled at 11:15 am, Nov 26

Ridgeview Wildfire

Reported: 11:01 am, Nov 27

Location: Custer County, 2 miles SW of Custer, SD

Size: .5 acres

Resources: Human - State and Federal

Cause: Under investigation

Contained and controlled at 11:41 am, Nov 27

Nov 25, 2020

Gobbler Wildfire

Reported: 3:45 pm, Nov 25

Location: Moskee / Crook County, WY.  Southeast of Sundance, WY

Size: 20 acres

Jurisdiction: Private land

Resources: State and Federal

Cause:  Human / Piles

November 18, 2020

 Warren Loop Wildfire

Reported: 2:29 am, Nov 18

Location: Lawrence County, 5 miles ENE of Deadwood, SD

Size: .27 acres

Resources: Federal, State and Local

Cause: Unknown

Contained 2:45 am and Controlled at 3:00 am Nov 18

Gumbo Lilly County Assist (CA)

Reported: 4:56 am, Nov 18

Location: Custer County, Hermosa, SD

Size: 18.7 acres

Resources: Federal, State and Local

Cause: Structure fire into grassland

November 17, 2020

Miller Wildfire

Reported: 8:52 am, Nov 17

Location: Fort Robinson State Park, NE

Size: .3 acre

Resources: State, Local and Federal

Cause: Human / Under Investigation

Contained: 10:30 am, Nov 17

Update - Two Bit Springs Fire

Reported 7:47 pm, Nov 13

Location: Approximately 2 miles south of Deadwood and east of Strawberry Hill.

Size: 10 acres

Resources: State, Federal and Local 

Jurisdiction: State

As of 8:00 am, Nov 16, the fire is contained.

Cause: Human - Under investigation

Black Hills National Forest Continues Beartown Prescribed Fire

 

(Beartown Rx taken Nov. 4, 2020 - USDA Forest Service)

Nov. 5, 2020 Beartown Rx Update - Fire crews successfully burned 215 acres yesterday (11/4/20) on the Beartown Project, located approximately 8 miles south of Spearfish, SD and 12 miles west of Lead, SD.

Today, (11/5/20) crews are aiming to burn an additional 150 acres. Please note that smoky conditions may be present in Spearfish, SD and surrounding areas.

Read more about this project at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/blackhills/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD839835 

October 10, 2020

 Hat Mountain Fire

• Reported: 7:44 AM
• Size: 1 acre
• Location: Pennington County, 11 miles northwest of Rapid City
• Resources: State, Federal, and County

West 

• Reported: 10:49 AM
• Size: estimated at 6 acres 10.7 acres
• Location: Custer County, Near Stagecoach Springs in the Argyle area
• Resources: State and County
• Contained: October 10th at 7:53pm

October 2, 2020

 Mallo

 Reported: 3:52 p.m.

Size: 0.5 acres

Location: 2 Miles East of Four Corners, WY

Resources: Federal and County

Contained: 10/02/20 8:30 p.m.

Controlled: 10/03/20 11:00 a.m.

Mile Marker 126

 Reported: 12:48 p.m.

Size: .25 acres

Location: 5 Miles northwest of Cactus Flats

Resources: Federal

Contained: 10/02/2020 1:38 p.m.

September 23, 2020

 Palmer

 Reported: 2:26pm

Size: .25 acres

Location: Pennington County, 3 miles SE of Hill City

Resources: Federal

Cause: Vehicle

Contained: 09/23/2020 4:00pm

Controlled: 09/23/2020 4:30pm

September 14, 2020

Hideaway

Location: Along I-90 near Black Hawk, SD

Size: .10 acres

Resources: Local and SD Wildland Fire Division

Cause: Associated with a vehicle fire

Contained and Controlled: 9/14/2020 1:41 pm

 

Singing Horse 2

Location: 8 miles north of Manderson, SD

Size: 600 acres

Resources: Local, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Black Hills National Forest

Cause: N/A

September 3, 2020

 Bear

Reported: 7:46am

Location: Pennington County, 9 miles NE of Newcastle, Boles Canyon

Size: 4.8 acres

Resources: State, local and Federal

Cause: Lightning

September 1, 2020

 Rumford CA

Reported: September 1st, 5:44pm

Location: Fall River County, 5 miles ESE of Provo

Resources: State, local, and Federal

Size: 110 acres

Cause: Under investigation

August 31, 2020

 Dismal

Reported: 8:14am

Location: Thomas County, 13 miles SW of Halsey, NE

Size: 50 acres 53 acres

Cause: Lightning

Resources: Local and Nebraska National Forest

Contained: September 1st, 11:42am

August 30, 2020

 650

Location: Pennington County, 8 miles east of Hill City, SD

Reported: August 30^th 10:52am

Size: 0.1 acres

Cause: Unknown

Contained: August 30^th 11:30am

Controlled: August 30^th 11:30am

Loop D

Location: Wind Cave Campground Elk Mountain Campground

Reported: August 29th 9:42pm

Size: 0.1 acres

Cause: Unknown

Contained: August 29^th 10:23pm

Controlled: August 30^th 11:29am

Out: August 31st 2:19pm

Broken H

Location: 6 miles west of Ardmore

Reported: 6:38pm

Size: 70 acres

Resources: Federal

Cause: Unknown

Contained: August 30^th 4:30pm

Richmond Hill

Location: 44 23.598, -103 50.778

Reported: 4:25pm

Size: 0.1 acre

Cause: Unknown

Contained: August 29^th 6:40pm

Controlled: August 29^th 7:30pm

Green Mountain

Location: 2.5 miles North of Mt Roosevelt on Private land

Reported: August 28^th 5:13pm

Size: 0.1 acre

Resources: State and Federal

Cause: Human

Contained: August 28^th 6:15pm

Controlled: August 28^th 6:15pm

Out: August 28^th 6:15pm

 

Red Bluff

Location: 44 30.660, -104 23.250, on Private and State land

Reported: August 28^th 11:08am

Size: 3.23 acres

Resources: Federal

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 28^th 3:30pm

Controlled: August 28^th 7:00pm

 

Rifle

Location: 5 miles East of Pringle, on Federal land

Reported: August 28^th 11:11am

Size: 0.1 acre

Resources: State and Federal

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 28^th 2:30pm

Controlled: August 28^th 4:00pm

 

Rankin

Location: 3 miles Northwest of Wind Cave NP visitor center

Reported: August 28^th 10:49am

Size: 28 acres

Resources: Local, State, and Federal

Cause: Lightning

For additional information, contact Tom Farrell at Wind Cave NP (605)745-4600

 

Aristocrat

Location: Northeast of Spotted Tail Trailhead, Nebraska

Reported: August 28^th 10:49am

Size: 400 acres

Resources: Federal

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 30th 4:45pm

Farmer

Location: 5 Miles west of Argyle, on Private and State land

Reported: August 28^th 8:02am

Size: 0.1 acres

Resources: State and Federal

Cause: Lightning

Contained: 09:49am

Controlled: 10:35am

 

Buhr

Location: Sioux Co, 3 Miles west of Montrose

Reported: 6:28pm

Size: 85 acres

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 27th 08:00pm

 

Wilson

Location: Nemo Rd. and 151 Rd., Lawrence Co.

Reported: 4:49pm

Size: 0.31 acres

Cause: Unknown

 

Rockin Tree

Location: Aladdin, WY (Crook Co.)

Reported: 13:53pm

Resources: local, State, and Federal

Size: 1 acre

Cause: Unknown

Contained: August 17th 4:00pm

 

Hubbards Gap

Location: Banner Co., Nebraska

Reported: 12:06pm

Size: 10 acres

Cause: Unknown

 

Clark

Location: 1 mile north of State Game Lodge in Custer State Park

Reported: 11:22am

Resources: local, State, and Federal

Size: 18.17 acres

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 28^th 2:48pm

Controlled: August 28^th 7:00pm

For additional information, contact Custer State Park

 

Fitzgerald CA

Location: Pennington County, south of Wasta

Reported: 6:03pm

Resources: local, Black Hills National Forest, Nebraska National Forest and State

Size: 570 acres

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 24th 12:00pm

Controlled: August 25th 3:00pm

August 30, 2020 - Aristocrat Fire Update

Aristocrat Fire Update

The Aristocrat Fire is 100% contained. Updated at 4:45 p.m.

Sunday, August 30, 2020 at 11 a.m.

Contact: Julie Johndreau 605-685-4096

The Aristocrat Fire is now mapped at 391 acres and is 60 percent contained. Firefighters continue to patrol and extinguish hot spots inside control lines. Full containment is expected by the end of today. This will be the last regular update.

“We encourage folks to stay out of the fire area,” said Pine Ridge District Ranger Tim Buskirk. “Many of the roads in the area are very sandy and difficult to travel on right now. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation.”

The Aristocrat Fire was first reported at 10:38 am on Friday, August 28. It is burning on Nebraska National Forest lands, near the Spotted Tail Trailhead, south of Chadron, NE.

Photo: Aristocrat Fire, Nebraska National Forest, South of Chadron, NE

August 29, 2020

Broken H

Location: 6 miles west of Ardmore

Reported: 6:38pm

Size: 5 acres

Resources: Federal

Cause: Unknown

Contained: August 29^th 6:40pm

Controlled: August 29^th 7:30pm

Richmond Hill

Location: 44 23.598, -103 50.778

Reported: 4:25pm

Size: 0.1 acre

Cause: Unknown

Contained: August 29^th 6:40pm

Controlled: August 29^th 7:30pm

 

Green Mountain

Location: 2.5 miles North of Mt Roosevelt on Private land

Reported: August 28^th 5:13pm

Size: 0.1 acre

Resources: State and Federal

Cause: Human

Contained: August 28^th 6:15pm

Controlled: August 28^th 6:15pm

Out: August 28^th 6:15pm

 

Red Bluff

Location: 44 30.660, -104 23.250, on Private and State land

Reported: August 28^th 11:08am

Size: 3.23 acres

Resources: Federal

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 28^th 3:30pm

Controlled: August 28^th 7:00pm

 

Rifle

Location: 5 miles East of Pringle, on Federal land

Reported: August 28^th 11:11am

Size: 0.1 acre

Resources: State and Federal

Cause: Lightning

Contain: August 28^th 2:30pm

Controlled: August 28^th 4:00pm

 

Rankin

Location: 3 miles Northwest of Wind Cave NP visitor center

Reported: August 28^th 10:49am

Size: 28 acres

Resources: Local, State, and Federal

Cause: Lightning

For additional information, contact Tom Farrell at Wind Cave NP (605)745-4600

 

Aristocrat

Location: Northeast of Spotted Tail Trailhead, Nebraska

Reported: August 28^th 10:49am

Size: 400 acres

Resources: Federal

Cause: Lightning

 

Farmer

Location: 5 Miles west of Argyle, on Private and State land

Reported: August 28^th 8:02am

Size: 0.1 acres

Resources: State and Federal

Cause: Lightning

Contained: 09:49am

Controlled: 10:35am

 

Buhr

Location: Sioux Co, 3 Miles west of Montrose

Reported: 6:28pm

Size: 85 acres

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 27th 08:00pm

 

Wilson

Location: Nemo Rd. and 151 Rd., Lawrence Co.

Reported: 4:49pm

Size: 0.31 acres

Cause: Unknown

 

Rockin Tree

Location: Aladdin, WY (Crook Co.)

Reported: 13:53pm

Resources: local, State, and Federal

Size: 1 acre

Cause: Unknown

Contained: August 17th 4:00pm

 

Hubbards Gap

Location: Banner Co., Nebraska

Reported: 12:06pm

Size: 10 acres

Cause: Unknown

 

Clark

Location: 1 mile north of State Game Lodge in Custer State Park

Reported: 11:22am

Resources: local, State, and Federal

Size: 18.17 acres

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 28^th 2:48pm

Controlled: August 28^th 7:00pm

For additional information, contact Custer State Park

 

Fitzgerald CA

Location: Pennington County, south of Wasta

Reported: 6:03pm

Resources: local, Black Hills National Forest, Nebraska National Forest and State

Size: 570 acres

Cause: Lightning

Contained: August 24th 12:00pm

Controlled: August 25th 3:00pm