RAPID CITY, S.D. – In their afternoon update, fire officials report a flyover of the Auburn Fire has determined 964 acres has burned.
The southern portion of the fire is now in mop up and patrol status and Firefighters continue to extinguish hot spots to secure fireline.
Great Plains Fire Dispatch says a slash pile ignited within the fire perimeter and fire crews were using ground resources along with the Type 1 helicopter to lessen the intensity and extinguish the burn.
No structures have been reported lost at this time.
The Pennington County Sheriff’s Office also announced that as of 6:00 p.m., all pre-evacuations and road closures due to the fire would be lifted. However, only local residents will be allowed in the area so as not to hamper firefighters.
A small burnout operation took place in the northern and western portions of the fire to continue to secure fireline. The winds continue to come out of the south/south east and challenge firefighters. Fire managers continue to shift resources around appropriately to work to secure line. A Type 1 helicopter continues to work hot spots on the western portion of the fire.
Here is an updated map of the fire boundaries:
Governor Kristi Noem and Department of Public Safety Secretary Craig Price arrived in Rapid City to speak with firefighters battling the blaze Tuesday.
Noem and Price met with firefighters and received a brief from Incident Commander Tim Daly, before taking a tour of the fire line along with local legislators.
