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We are entering the busy fire season around here. It is shaping up to be a very active season. I would like to start this thread to post updates on various fires in and around South Dakota.
Many counties have placed bans on fireworks for the 4th of July. Several counties have complete burn bans in effect as well.
SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE RAPID CITY SD
553 PM MDT TUE JUL 3 2012
SDZ012-024>026-028-031-072-073-WYZ057-040300-
BUTTE-NORTHERN BLACK HILLS-NORTHERN FOOT HILLS-RAPID CITY-
CENTRAL BLACK HILLS-PENNINGTON CO PLAINS-
STURGIS/PIEDMONT FOOT HILLS-SOUTHERN MEADE CO PLAINS-
WYOMING BLACK HILLS-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...BELLE FOURCHE...LEAD...DEADWOOD...
SPEARFISH...RAPID CITY...HILL CITY...MT RUSHMORE...WALL...
STURGIS...UNION CENTER...SUNDANCE...FOUR CORNERS
553 PM MDT TUE JUL 3 2012
...THICK SMOKE AND FALLING ASH FROM WILD FIRES...
A VERY LARGE WILD FIRE IN THE WYOMING BLACK HILLS NORTH OF
NEWCASTLE...IS PRODUCING A LARGE PLUME OF SMOKE...WHICH IS DRIFTING
EAST INTO THE SOUTH DAKOTA BLACK HILLS AND ADJACENT PLAINS. THIS
INCLUDES THE RAPID CITY AREA. THICK SMOKE MAY REDUCE VISIBILITY AT
TIMES...ESPECIALLY IN THE NORTHERN BLACK HILLS. SOME ASHFALL HAS
ALSO BEEN REPORTED WITH THIS PLUME OF SMOKE. PERSONS WITH
RESPIRATORY AILMENTS ARE ADVISED TO REMAIN INDOORS IF THICK SMOKE
IS IN THE AREA. A STRONG COLD FRONT WILL MOVE THROUGH THE REGION
OVERNIGHT...WITH WINDS SHIFTING TO THE NORTHWEST. THIS WILL ALLOW
THE SMOKE TO SHIFT SOUTH OF THE CURRENT AREA.
Update on Oil Creek fire near Newcastle, Wy from the Homeland security;
The fire is estimated at 56,000 acres. Tuesday evening, the fire was pushed hard to the north against Skull Creek Rd at several points, especially near the Skull Creek - Green Mtn Rd. intersection. Though there was some spillover to the north, all of those fires were suppressed, meaning that the northern border of the fire is Skull Creek Rd at this time.
A wind shift from south to north after midnight helped push the fire in the opposite direction. This could allow firefighters to take more offensive action against the blaze.
With the fire coming back to the south, Newcastle also remains threatened; and that is why the pre-evacuation notice for part of the city remains in effect. Smoke will remain a hazard throughout the fire area so if you have respiratory issues, try to stay inside.
From the KOTA news
Oil Creek Fire near Newcastle:
60,716 acres, 40% containment estimate.
521 fire personnel.
Level 2 evacuations remain in place along Skull Creek Rd. (14), Elk Grove Trail (7), Ertman Rd. (6) and all residences within the fire perimeter. Level 1 evacuation remains in effect for Osage, Newcastle and along Hwy 16 between Newcastle and Osage.
Crews made good progress in constructing line along the northeast section of the fire Wednesday night. Thursday crews will focus on constructing line alone the east flank and holding and secure existing line.
White Draw fire, near Edgemont:
The White Draw Fire Thursday will start to demobilize resources needed to assist other incidents across the west. Last night, White Draw operations were concentrated mainly on mop up and patrolling the lines. Crews also worked hard in and around structures to mop up any smoldering materials.
The White Draw Fire is 8,900 acres. 80% containment.
The Black Hills National Forest issued a temporary closure order for the White Draw Fire. This closure limits nonessential use by the public during the White Draw Fire activities. Exempted from the order are local residents, persons with permits, and persons involved with the firefighting operations.
From the KOTA news;
Posted: Jul 07, 2012 4:40 PM MDT
By Kristen Tripodi - email
The Oil Creek Fire in Newcastle, Wyoming is estimated at 62,017 acres. It's approximately 60% contained, with 789 personnel assigned to fight that fire. There was one injury reported yesterday. Crews are making good progress on mop-up operations. Crews continue to patrol for hot spots and are working on rehab.
The White Draw Fire located approximately five miles northeast of Edgemont is 100% contained. Today's efforts will continue to focus on mopping up and rehabilitation.
The transition from the Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team to the local Type 3 team will occur officially tomorrow.
The White Draw Fire burned approximately 9,000 acres.
The Ash Creek Fire burning 10 miles east of Lame Deer, Montana remains at 75% containment. The fire burned 248,600 acres. Today fire crews will continue to construct and strengthen direct handline on the northeast flank, while patrolling and mopping up the remainder of the fire perimeter.
Red Flag Warning for all of west river South Dakota
Urgent - fire weather messagenational weather service rapid city sd231 pm mdt sat jul 14 2012.an area of low pressure in eastern montana will continue tobring hot and dry conditions...along with breezy south winds tonortheastern wyoming and far western south dakota. Isolated toscattered thunderstorms this afternoon and evening will have thepotential to produce dry lightning...mainly across northeastwyoming into northwest south dakota. Relatively mild and dryconditions will persist overnight...with hot temperatures...lowhumidities...and gusty winds continuing over much of the area onsunday.sdz260-262-wyz299-150400-/o.con.kunr.fw.w.0022.000000t0000z-120715t0400z/northern black hills-southern black hills-wyoming black hills-231 pm mdt sat jul 14 2012...red flag warning remains in effect until 10 pm mdt thisevening for low relative humidities...gusty southerly winds...andpossible dry lightning for fire zones 260 and 262 in far westernsouth dakota...and fire zone 299 in northeast wyoming...* affected area...fire weather zone 260 northern black hills... Fire weather zone 262 southern black hills and fire weather zone 299 wyoming black hills.* winds...southeast 10 to 15 mph with gusts to 25 mph.* relative humidity...as low as 17 percent.* temperatures...85 to 95.* lightning...dry lightning possible through this evening.* impacts...increased lightning activity on critically dry fuels may produce new fires starts with rapid fire spread.precautionary/preparedness actions...a red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditionsare either occurring now...or will shortly. A combination ofstrong winds...low relative humidity...and warm temperatures willcreate explosive fire growth potential.&&$$
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Protecting your home from wildland fires.....
