Legion Lake Fire Update as of 9:00am MST Thursday December 14
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 9:00 a.m.
Fire Information Desk: 605-646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
CUSTER STATE PARK – Legion Lake Fire crews continue to make gains as mop up begins today within the fire perimeter, locating and extinguishing hot spots around structures along 16A near the State Game Lodge and near Blue Bell Lodge. Crews mopping up will also begin work along Highway 79, Wildlife Loop Road, and northwest of Buffalo Gap.
Previous burnout operations have proven effective at protecting Blue Bell Lodge and State Game Lodge, and firefighters will begin burnout operations East of Highway 87 and North of Highland Ridge Road.
Following yesterday’s retardant applications by a heavy air tanker along the south perimeter, fire activity remains North of Fusion Canyon. Firefighters will continue to hold lines west of Highway 79 and north of Fusion Canyon.
Winds are predicted to remain out of the northwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 30 miles per hour, with temperatures reaching the mid 30’s. Although light snow has helped the fire in the north, conditions remain dry within the fire perimeter.
The fire’s effects to Custer State Park wildlife are currently being evaluated.
Legion Lake Fire is currently at 47,312 acres with 50 percent containment. It is now the 3rd largest wildfire in Black Hills recorded history. The Fire Investigator’s Office has released official information attributing the fire’s cause to a fallen power line.
Due to the fire, all areas of Wind Cave NP with the exception of HWY 385 and HWY 87, Beaver Creek Rd. and associated turnouts and the immediate area around the visitor center are closed to all public entry.
All evacuation orders have been lifted. Custer State Park remains closed indefinitely as officials further evaluate public and staff safety.
Fire Desk information and updates can be provided by emailing LegionLakeFire@gmail.com or by calling 605-646-3263.
Legion Lake Fire Update as of 6:30pm MST Wednesday December 13
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Fire Information Desk: 605-646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
CUSTER STATE PARK – Due to more accurate mapping, the Legion Lake Fire is now at 47,312 acres, making it the fourth largest fire in the history of the Black Hills. However, containment increased as well going from seven to now 10 percent contained.
Fire behavior remains active as burnout operations around Blue Bell Lodge and State Game Lodge areas remain successful. Fire managers expect to be done with both operations on Thursday and will begin mop up, locating hot spots and extinguishing them, upon completion.
Night resources will continue burn out operations Highway 87 South and along Highway 16A.
A heavy air tanker was used today laying five loads of retardant over the south end of the fire. The fire line appeared to hold, but latest reports detail that the fire jumped the lines of retardant and continues to push south toward Fusion Canyon on the west side of Highway 79. Firefighters will continue to hold lines west of Highway 79 and north of Fusion Canyon.
Firefighters are taking into concern Thursday’s predicted early morning wind potential blowing from the north, northwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 30 miles per hour. Spotting Fires remain a concern at this time.
Fire fuel remains extreme even with the dip in temperatures in the coming days.
Fire Desk information and updates can be provided by emailing LegionLakeFire@gmail.com or by calling 605-646-3263.
Fire Information Desk: 605-646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
CUSTER STATE PARK – Legion Lake Fire activity has greatly increased due to high wind gusts, making it extremely difficult for firefighters on the ground. It is believed that this has taken place in the French Creek Natural Area with spotting up to one half mile east of the fire flank. Due to smoky conditions, firefighters remain challenged to know the exact location where the fire has spotted. Firefighters are currently on the ground assessing the situation and structure defense resources are on scene. Additional resources have been ordered to support fire suppression and structure defense.
Another spot fire was located east of French Creek Horse Camp on North Lame Johnny Road (CSP 4) by Cigarette Hill. Firefighters are actively working to construct a containment line around the fire perimeter.
The fire has moved east of the Wildlife Loop Road and out of the Custer State Park Boundary. Custer County Sherriff’s Office has expanded evacuations to Cobb, Downen, Dry Creek and LH Roads, and all areas south of Buffalo Gap, but not including Buffalo Gap residents.
Everyone living near these areas should be prepared to leave upon notification. Conditions are rapidly changing, so all residents should a plan of what they will bring with them upon brief notification. This may include items such as medications, family heirlooms, plans for animals, etc.
Please call Custer County Dispatch for evacuation information at 605-673-8176.
Fire Desk information and updates can be provided by emailing LegionLakeFire@gmail.com or by calling 605-646-3263.
Photo Credit Mark Menning
Photo Credit Ray Bubb
Photo Credit Jeni Lawver
Photo Credit Jeni Lawver
Photo Credit Jeni Lawver
Photo Credit Ray Bubb
Legion Lake Fire - Press Release Update
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 9:30am MST
Fire Information Desk: (605)-646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
CUSTER STATE PARK – The Legion Lake Fire is in its second day and burned 500 acres overnight, bringing the total up to an estimated 3,000 plus acres with containment remaining at zero percent. The fire is officially been labeled a type two and Rocky Mountain Team Blue is in command. Custer State Park remains closed.
Structure protection has been successful with one out building still being the only loss in the fire. The main areas of protection remain to be Blue Bell Lodge area, State Game Lodge, the park headquarters, Star Academy East and Legion Lake Lodge area.
Main objectives for Tuesday include continual structure protection, scouting for potential fire lines, active mapping, including aerial recon to gain a better estimate of acreage burned, prep for potential preventative burn outs in the area of Mount Coolidge Fire Tower on Highway 87, minimize impact to identified structures, wildlife and travel corridors, and to keep the fire south of 16A, west of Wildlife Loop Road, north of Ridge Road and Lame Johnny and east of Highway 87.
Winds have calmed since Monday and will be at five to 15 miles per hour coming out of the north and northwest with the temperatures reaching into the 60’s for Tuesday. Conditions are very serious with all fire fuel extraordinarily dry for this time of year. High winds are expected to pick up again in the evening and remain strong into Wednesday and Thursday.
Wildlife is currently not a risk as all species in the park are used to wildfire and are naturally avoiding dangerous areas.
The opening of Highway 16A for public use will continue to be evaluated dependent upon firefighter and public safety.
Legion Lake Fire Information continues to run from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and can be reached at LegionLakeFire@gmail.com or by calling 605-646-3263
Photo Credit Jeni Lawver
Photo Credit Jeni Lawver
Photo Credit Jeni Lawver
Photo Credit Jeni Lawver
Legion Lake Fire - Press Release
Fire Information Desk: (605) -646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
________________________________________________________________________________
CUSTER STATE PARK – The Legion Lake Fire, which began early
Monday morning by Wilson’s Corner, has now risen to 2,500 acres burned. The
fire is being transitioned to Rocky Mountain Team Blue type two. The fire remains
zero percent contained. Custer State Park will remain closed through Tuesday,
Dec. 12.
Heavy air tankers, helicopters, additional hand crews and
various overhead have been ordered. There are currently 200 firefighters on
scene.
The State Game Lodge, Blue Bell Lodge area and other
facilities in the park are currently being threatened. One out building has
been lost.
Objectives created by South Dakota Wildland Fire are to keep
the fire East of Highway 87, South of Highway 16A, West of the Wildlife Loop
Road and North of Custer State Park Road 4 and 5 to Ridge Road.
Fire Desk information and updates can be provided by
emailing LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
or by calling 605-646-3263.
Legion Lake Fire Update as of 9:00am MST Thursday December 14
Legion Lake Fire Update as of 6:30pm MST Wednesday December 13
Wednesday, Dec. 14, 9:00 a.m.
Fire Information Desk: 605-646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
CUSTER STATE PARK – Legion Lake Fire crews continue to make gains as mop up begins today within the fire perimeter, locating and extinguishing hot spots around structures along 16A near the State Game Lodge and near Blue Bell Lodge. Crews mopping up will also begin work along Highway 79, Wildlife Loop Road, and northwest of Buffalo Gap.
Previous burnout operations have proven effective at protecting Blue Bell Lodge and State Game Lodge, and firefighters will begin burnout operations East of Highway 87 and North of Highland Ridge Road.
Following yesterday’s retardant applications by a heavy air tanker along the south perimeter, fire activity remains North of Fusion Canyon. Firefighters will continue to hold lines west of Highway 79 and north of Fusion Canyon.
Winds are predicted to remain out of the northwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 30 miles per hour, with temperatures reaching the mid 30’s. Although light snow has helped the fire in the north, conditions remain dry within the fire perimeter.
The fire’s effects to Custer State Park wildlife are currently being evaluated.
Legion Lake Fire is currently at 47,312 acres with 50 percent containment. It is now the 3rd largest wildfire in Black Hills recorded history. The Fire Investigator’s Office has released official information attributing the fire’s cause to a fallen power line.
Due to the fire, all areas of Wind Cave NP with the exception of HWY 385 and HWY 87, Beaver Creek Rd. and associated turnouts and the immediate area around the visitor center are closed to all public entry.
All evacuation orders have been lifted. Custer State Park remains closed indefinitely as officials further evaluate public and staff safety.
Fire Desk information and updates can be provided by emailing LegionLakeFire@gmail.com or by calling 605-646-3263.
Legion Lake Fire Update as of 6:30pm MST Wednesday December 13
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m.
Fire Information Desk: 605-646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
CUSTER STATE PARK – Due to more accurate mapping, the Legion Lake Fire is now at 47,312 acres, making it the fourth largest fire in the history of the Black Hills. However, containment increased as well going from seven to now 10 percent contained.
Fire behavior remains active as burnout operations around Blue Bell Lodge and State Game Lodge areas remain successful. Fire managers expect to be done with both operations on Thursday and will begin mop up, locating hot spots and extinguishing them, upon completion.
Night resources will continue burn out operations Highway 87 South and along Highway 16A.
A heavy air tanker was used today laying five loads of retardant over the south end of the fire. The fire line appeared to hold, but latest reports detail that the fire jumped the lines of retardant and continues to push south toward Fusion Canyon on the west side of Highway 79. Firefighters will continue to hold lines west of Highway 79 and north of Fusion Canyon.
Firefighters are taking into concern Thursday’s predicted early morning wind potential blowing from the north, northwest at 10 to 20 miles per hour with gusts up to 30 miles per hour. Spotting Fires remain a concern at this time.
Fire fuel remains extreme even with the dip in temperatures in the coming days.
Fire Desk information and updates can be provided by emailing LegionLakeFire@gmail.com or by calling 605-646-3263.
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
CUSTER STATE PARK – Legion Lake Fire activity has greatly increased due to high wind gusts, making it extremely difficult for firefighters on the ground. It is believed that this has taken place in the French Creek Natural Area with spotting up to one half mile east of the fire flank. Due to smoky conditions, firefighters remain challenged to know the exact location where the fire has spotted. Firefighters are currently on the ground assessing the situation and structure defense resources are on scene. Additional resources have been ordered to support fire suppression and structure defense.
Another spot fire was located east of French Creek Horse Camp on North Lame Johnny Road (CSP 4) by Cigarette Hill. Firefighters are actively working to construct a containment line around the fire perimeter.
The fire has moved east of the Wildlife Loop Road and out of the Custer State Park Boundary. Custer County Sherriff’s Office has expanded evacuations to Cobb, Downen, Dry Creek and LH Roads, and all areas south of Buffalo Gap, but not including Buffalo Gap residents.
Everyone living near these areas should be prepared to leave upon notification. Conditions are rapidly changing, so all residents should a plan of what they will bring with them upon brief notification. This may include items such as medications, family heirlooms, plans for animals, etc.
Please call Custer County Dispatch for evacuation information at 605-673-8176.
Fire Desk information and updates can be provided by emailing LegionLakeFire@gmail.com or by calling 605-646-3263.
 |
| Photo Credit Mark Menning |
 |
| Photo Credit Ray Bubb |
 |
| Photo Credit Jeni Lawver |
 |
| Photo Credit Jeni Lawver |
 |
| Photo Credit Jeni Lawver |
 |
| Photo Credit Ray Bubb |
Legion Lake Fire - Press Release Update
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 9:30am MST
Fire Information Desk: (605)-646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
Main objectives for Tuesday include continual structure protection, scouting for potential fire lines, active mapping, including aerial recon to gain a better estimate of acreage burned, prep for potential preventative burn outs in the area of Mount Coolidge Fire Tower on Highway 87, minimize impact to identified structures, wildlife and travel corridors, and to keep the fire south of 16A, west of Wildlife Loop Road, north of Ridge Road and Lame Johnny and east of Highway 87.
Winds have calmed since Monday and will be at five to 15 miles per hour coming out of the north and northwest with the temperatures reaching into the 60’s for Tuesday. Conditions are very serious with all fire fuel extraordinarily dry for this time of year. High winds are expected to pick up again in the evening and remain strong into Wednesday and Thursday.
Wildlife is currently not a risk as all species in the park are used to wildfire and are naturally avoiding dangerous areas.
The opening of Highway 16A for public use will continue to be evaluated dependent upon firefighter and public safety.
Legion Lake Fire Information continues to run from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and can be reached at LegionLakeFire@gmail.com or by calling 605-646-3263
 |
| Photo Credit Jeni Lawver |
 |
| Photo Credit Jeni Lawver |
 |
| Photo Credit Jeni Lawver |
 |
| Photo Credit Jeni Lawver |
Fire Information Desk: (605) -646-3263
LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
Social Media: @CusterStatePark
Facebook.com/CusterStatePark
________________________________________________________________________________
CUSTER STATE PARK – The Legion Lake Fire, which began early
Monday morning by Wilson’s Corner, has now risen to 2,500 acres burned. The
fire is being transitioned to Rocky Mountain Team Blue type two. The fire remains
zero percent contained. Custer State Park will remain closed through Tuesday,
Dec. 12.
The fire began roughly around 7:30 a.m. and the origin of
the fire remains under investigation. It moved south and east along Centennial
Trail toward the Star Academy East Campus and Badger Hole. The head of the fire
has crossed Heddy Draw and lies on both sides of Barnes Canyon Road.
Heavy air tankers, helicopters, additional hand crews and
various overhead have been ordered. There are currently 200 firefighters on
scene.
The State Game Lodge, Blue Bell Lodge area and other
facilities in the park are currently being threatened. One out building has
been lost.
Objectives created by South Dakota Wildland Fire are to keep
the fire East of Highway 87, South of Highway 16A, West of the Wildlife Loop
Road and North of Custer State Park Road 4 and 5 to Ridge Road.
Fire Desk information and updates can be provided by
emailing LegionLakeFire@gmail.com
or by calling 605-646-3263.
