(CUSTER, S.D.)-Cooler weather and less wind have been aiding firefighting efforts across the area. Firefighters continued to patrol and mop-up fires throughout the Black Hills. The extended forecast shows a chance of thunderstorms through the weekend.

The White Draw Fire near Edgemont, which has burned 8,900 acres, has reached 95 percent containment as of Thursday evening. White Draw operations are currently concentrated mainly on mop-up. The crews had to battle difficult terrain and watch for rattlesnakes in order to reach areas that were still smoldering from Wednesday’s burn out operations.

Demobilization of personnel continues as some firefighters are being dispatched to other western fires. Currently, there are 404 personnel, including one type I hand crew (20 people), six type II hand crews, 28 engines, one dozer, and six water tenders. Two structures and six outbuildings continue to be threatened by the fire. Rehabilitation has started on containment lines.

The White Draw Fire has been burning primarily on National Forest lands in a mix of grasslands and timber. For information on this fire, call 605-891-1790.

The 1,508-acre lightning-caused Ghost Fire is 100 percent contained. The fire started on Monday, July 2nd at approximately 11:30 a.m., 13 miles west of Sundance, Wyo. Occasional smoke may still be visible while firefighters continue to patrol the fire over the next several days.

The Parker Peak fire has also been 100 percent contained. On Friday, 10 personnel will patrol the fire as well as three engines and one water tender. The Parker Peak Fire is located 12 miles northeast of Edgemont. 

The information staff will be at the Edgemont Conoco Station from 2:00-6:00 p.m. on Friday to answer any questions the public may have about the fires.

Officials say that despite the variety of fires, they are impacting a relatively small area, and there are still many recreational opportunities available in the Black Hills. However, the public is reminded that while some areas may receive some precipitation from occasional storms, the fire danger in the region remains high. Officials are urging the public to continue being cautious.

 

(Questions? Comments? E-mail news@chadrad.com.)