CUSTER, S.D. – Despite gusty north winds, fire crews have fared favorably well fighting a wildfire in Custer County today.
The Wabash Springs Fire was reported just after 7:00 a.m. Thursday north of the Custer/Mount Rushmore KOA campground in the area of Palamino Place. Gusty north winds were fanning the blaze.
Pre-evacuation notices were a wide area were issued earlier today, but allowed to expire for those living on south side of Highway 16. Areas on the north side remained under the pre-evacuation advisory.
Highway 16 between Custer and Pleasant Valley Road was also closed earlier, but the Custer County Sheriff’s office had announced the reopening of the road around 11:00 a.m.
However, people were being asked to drive with caution through the area.
Federal, state and local resources are fighting the fire, which at last report by Great Plains Fire, had burned just over 100 acres. It was listed at 50% containment late this afternoon – a remarkable feat considering the winds and low humidity.
***THIS STORY IS CONTINUALLY UPDATING. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADD UPDATES TO THIS STORY AS THEY DEVELOP***
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CUSTER, S.D. – Authorities have issued several pre-evacuation orders as crews continue to battle a wildfire burning west/northwest of Custer.
The Wabash Springs Fire was reported just after 7:00 a.m. Thursday north of the Custer/Mount Rushmore KOA campground in the area of Palamino Place.
Pre-evacuation notices have been issued for Pinto Lane, Palamino Place, Big Pine Road area, Dakota Pine Road, Stagg Road, Beaver Lake Subdivision, Thompson trailer court, Millpond Estates and Ridgeview Road.
A shelter for those who need to evacuate has been set up at the Custer Armory.
Highway 16 between Custer and Pleasant Valley Road was closed earlier, but the Custer County Sheriff’s office had announced the reopening of the road around 11:00 a.m.
However, people were being asked to drive with caution through the area.
Federal, state and local resources are fighting the fire, which at last report by Great Plains Fire, had burned between 50 and 100 acres. It is listed as 30-percent contained.
A Type 3 team is being established.
***THIS STORY IS CONTINUALLY UPDATING. WE WILL CONTINUE TO ADD UPDATES TO THIS STORY AS THEY DEVELOP***
Fire crews working the lines of the Wabash Springs Fire Thursday. Courtesy of Custer County Fire and Custer County Sheriff’s Office.
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***OUR EARLIER VERSIONS OF THIS STORY***
CUSTER, S.D. – Fire crews continue to battle a wildfire, named the Wabash Springs Fire, that is burning west of Custer.
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office has announced the following:
CUSTER, S.D. – The Custer County Sheriff’s Office says there is a wildland fire burning in the area of Palamino Place Thursday morning.
They say there are some evacuations taking place.
Palamino Place is located west of Custer off Highway 16. The Custer/Mount Rushmore KOA Campground is also in the area of the fire. Great Plains Fire says the fire is located 5 miles west/northwest of Custer. It was first reported at 7:11 Thursday morning.
Highway 16 between Custer and Pleasant Valley Road is closed and people are being asked to avoid the area.
Great Plains Fire Dispatch reports the fire has burned around 50 acres so far. Strong winds are making fighting the fire difficult.
Numerous fire crews have been called in.
We will update this story as more information becomes available.
