Prescribed fire planned for Saturday, November 6, in Wind Cave
National Park
WIND CAVE NATIONAL PARK, S.D. – The 676-acre Headquarters
Prescribed Fire, the subject of an October 15 press release, is planned for
Saturday, November 6. Conditions are currently predicted to be within
prescription, and ignition is planned to begin mid-morning. The media is
invited to cover this event.
There will be an operational briefing for firefighters at 9:30 a.m. at the park’s fire cache (see attached map) followed by a test burn around 10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. (location dependent on wind direction). If conditions remain in prescription, the main fire will then be started. The area behind the visitor center will be burned, making the visitor center parking lot a good viewing location. Trails and other locations, outside of non-administrative roads and parking areas, will be closed to everyone but fire personnel
What: 676-acre prescribed fire.
Where: Headquarters’ area of Wind Cave National Park.
When: Saturday, November 6. Briefing at 9:30 a.m., test burn to follow. Media arriving in the park should call 605-745-4600 to learn the location of the media group.
Closures: Highway 385 and the headquarters north and south access roads will be closed periodically due to smoke and nearby flames for up to one hour at a time. The nearby Prairie Vista Trail will be closed for potentially 2 weeks. Smoke could be heavy at times in the developed area and nearby roads.
Images: Crew briefing, firefighters with drip torches, fire crews, and equipment.
Interviews: Depending on availability, park officials, fire management officials, and crew members.
How: RSVP by calling Tom Farrell at 605-745-1130.
