Tuesday Evening update on First Thunder Fire

RAPID CITY, S.D. – Firefighters have been working through the day 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. However, pre-evacuation information was delivered by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department to residents impacted by the fire Monday 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.

During a press conference today, officials reminded those under an evacuation warning to be ready to go in a moment’s notice. Pennington County Fire Commissioner Jerome Harvey also shared during the recent press conference that people should not fly drones in the area of the fire as it can lead to complications for those fighting the fire. 

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 as of Tuesday morning. 

See Tuesday’s fire press conference here:

https://fb.watch/unpJx1q3vm

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.

Video from the firefight Tuesday afternoon: