Saturday, August 29, 2020

August 29, 2020 - Aristocrat Fire Update

 Aristocrat Fire Update

Saturday, August 29, 2020 at 10 a.m. 

Contact: Julie Johndreau 605-685-4096

The Aristocrat Fire is estimated at 300 acres and is 50 percent contained. There are approximately 80 firefighters assigned to the fire. The rugged terrain and dead and downed trees make access and containment difficult. High winds are predicted for today and tomorrow.

“We appreciate all of the support from our local volunteer fire departments, Dawes County, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission, and Nebraska Forest Service,” said Pine Ridge District Ranger Tim Buskirk. “We ask that folks please stay away from the fire area.  There were instances yesterday where we had issues using the aircraft assigned to the fire due to members of the public being too close to the fireline.”

The Aristocrat Fire was reported at 10:38 am on Friday, August 28. It is burning on Nebraska National Forest lands, near the Spotted Tail Trailhead, south of Chadron, NE.

Photo Caption: A heavy air tanker (pictured above on Friday, August 28) along with single engine aircraft tanker (SEAT) and helicopter assisted firefighters on the Aristocrat Fire.