RAPID CITY, S.D. – Fire crews on the lines of the Schroeder Fire burning west of Rapid City will continue protecting structures throughout the fire area as Red Flag Warning conditions persist across Western South Dakota.
Crews will also work on constructing and improving firelines on the northern and southern edges of the fire perimeter.
The fire remains at 47-percent containment and at 2,195 acres.
Smoke and flames may be visible as the fire consumes unburned fuels within the fire’s interior, which is normal and expected.
Most evacuations have been lifted for the fire area, with the exception of Nameless Cave Road and Cleghorn Canyon. Effective immediately, West Highway 44 will be re-opened to through traffic. Law enforcement will be present to ensure resident traffic only. Reduced speed limits will be posted and enforced. For firefighter safety, it will be prohibited to pull off the road or park along the highway.
Red Flag warnings are in effect again today due to warm, dry, windy conditions, with the weather forecast calling for highs around 70 today and southwest winds of 10 – 20 mph gusting from 25 to 30 mph this afternoon. Crews will be watchful for changing fire conditions as the wind shifts direction.
Fuels are historically dry, creating ideal conditions for rapid fire growth.
Under these conditions, it is essential for people to take extra care in order to prevent igniting a wildfire when recreating outdoors.
