Public
Information Officer: Amanda
Medaries
(318)557-2559
amanda.medaries@usda.gov
Update on the Bennett Wildfire
(EDGEMONT, SD) August 17, 2024 — Fire personnel were successful
last night in holding the fire within the burned area. Today’s current plan of
action is to continue securing and building lines while keeping firefighter and
public safety at the forefront. There are currently air tankers and aerial
support being utilized to support firefighters on the ground as the terrain is
steep and difficult.
As of 8:00 am this morning, there are 130
fire personnel from across the region, including those from throughout South
Dakota, Nebraska, Wisconsin, and Colorado. Multiple agencies and volunteer fire
departments are supporting this effort to suppress the fire.
The fire remains at 330 acres on the Black
Hills National Forest and is 10% contained. Crews are hoping to begin mop up
and have more of the area contained by the end of today.
Fire resources were dispatched to a smoke
report approximately 8 miles southeast of
Dewey, SD, or about 8 miles northwest of Edgemont, SD, in Fall River County.
The fire started August 15, 2024, around
1:00 p.m.
The cause of the fire was lightning. No road
closure and no evacuations have been issued. Please be aware that smoke may
be visible from highway 89 and highway 18.