For Immediate Release: Monday, January 29, 2024
Contact: Steve Long, 605.431.6886, South Dakota Wildland Fire
Public Information Officer
Prescribed Burn at
Custer State Park set for January 31
Rapid City, S.D. – South Dakota Wildland Fire is planning a
prescribed burn
near the
intersection of Highway 16A and Wildlife Loop Road in coordination with Custer
State Park on Wednesday January 31, 2024. Mop-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 100 acres. 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
ignition. Fire crews will secure, patrol, and monitor fire lines as appropriate
for public and firefighter safety. For more information on smoke management,
click here.
Custer
State Park will be open as usual, but visitors should expect delays near the
prescribed burn area. For more information about park accessibility contact Lydia Austin, 605.394.2693, Custer State Park
Visitor Services Manager.
