For
Immediate Release:
Monday, April 17, 2023
Contact: Steve Long, 605.431.6886, South Dakota Wildland Fire Public Information
Officer
Prescribed Burn at
Custer State Park is set for Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Rapid City, S.D. – South Dakota Wildland Fire is planning a
prescribed burn between LH Road and Hwy 16A on the north end of the Wildlife
Loop Road, within Custer State Park, on Tuesday, April 18. Clean-up and
monitoring will continue in the following days. If weather conditions are not
favorable for any reason, the prescribed burn will be rescheduled. Firefighters
are planning to burn approximately 225 acres. Custer State Park will be open as
usual, but visitors should expect delays near the prescribed burn area.
Objectives of the burn are to increase the diversity of forage and habitat for wildlife, improve native grass growth, and provide safe and quality training for 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 hazardous debris and dead vegetation buildup, which can fuel wildfires.
Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas and can linger for several days after the prescribed burn has been completed. Fire crews will secure, patrol, and monitor fire lines as appropriate for public and firefighter safety.