RAPID CITY, S.D. – If you see a large plume of smoke in the air tomorrow, Fri. April 12, 2024, please do not call 911. Fire Managers are conducting a prescribed burn approximately 5 miles southwest of Rapid City, SD.
The Mystic Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest is planning to ignite up to 63 acres on the Victoria Project, Friday, April 12, 2024, weather permitting. Smoke will be visible for several miles and could impact surrounding areas for several days.
Broadcast burns are the application of fire to the landscape under pre-determined environmental conditions and geographic locations. Utilizing fire gives land managers another tool to meet resource objects. Crews have been preparing to implement the project for several years.
The U.S. Forest Service conducts broadcast burns in an effort of reducing hazardous fuels and to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. Certain criteria must be met for a broadcast burn to take place, including smoke dispersal conditions, weather, adequate staffing, and fuel moisture. These are all outlined in a burn plan, that is thoroughly reviewed before implementation.
Once completed, the burn area will also serve to lessen fire intensities from naturally ignited fires such as lightning and provide fire managers more options and increase safety when suppressing future fires.
Forest visitors are asked to be aware of their surroundings. Areas where burning operations are taking place will be signed to notify visitors. The public is also encouraged to contact a nearby Forest Service office with questions.
For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.
