First Thunder Fire
Media Contact: Scott Jacobson, Public Affairs Officer
Black Hills National Forest
(605) 440-1409
First Thunder Fire Information
Fire Information: 605-923-8868
Location: 3 miles southwest of Rapid City, SD
Start Date: 9/2/2024
Cause: Under Investigation
Size: 170 acres
Containment: 0%
Resources: 100 total personnel, heavy equipment
including dozers, engines, hand crews, airtankers, and multiple helicopters
September 3, 2024 – Firefighters have been working
through the night to contain the First Thunder fire that was reported early
evening on September 2, 2024. The fire is burning grass and timber in steep,
rugged, and rocky terrain under very dry conditions. The fire is also burning
in a previously treated area, aiding with fire containment and suppression
efforts.
Containment effort has been direct attack, where feasible,
using safe and appropriate tactics. Firefighters will be implementing a
combination of direct and indirect strategies for full suppression, while
providing for firefighter and public safety.
There are currently no evacuations in effect. Pre-evacuation
information was delivered by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department to
residents impacted by the fire last night for their awareness. There are a few
road and trail closures impacted by the fire. Taylor Ranch, Norseman, Victoria
Lake, and Falling Rock roads are currently closed. In addition to the road
closures, Buzzard’s Roost Trail is also closed.
Fire weather today is expected to be breezy with winds from
15-25mph with gusts up to 45mph. Temperature high today near 100 degrees with
low relative humidity, and afternoon dry thunderstorms are possible over the
Black Hills. The Black Hills area is under a red flag warning until midnight
tonight. The next three days will bring more favorable weather with lower
temperatures into the 70s and higher relative humidity.
A Type 3 team assumed command of the fire today as of this
morning. For more information, please visit our Great Plains Fire Information
blog at http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com.
Public safety information can be found at www.facebook.com/PennCoSheriff.
