CUSTER, S.D. – Fire crews stayed overnight Thursday, monitoring a fire located in the Black Elk Wilderness, ½ mile southeast of Black Elk Peak. The fire was reported Wednesday afternoon and is estimated to be 7.6 acres. Crews will continue to secure and improve lines throughout today. The use of helicopter bucket drops are aiding firefighting efforts along the perimeter. As of 8:00 PM last night, the fire is 50% contained.
Multiple resources have been ordered which include a type 3 helicopter, two type 1 helicopters, a National Guard Blackhawk Helicopter, two 20-person hand crews, five engines, and several resource advisors.
For public and wildland firefighter safety, an emergency closure order has been put in place for the Black Elk Wilderness which includes the Black Elk Peak Trail #9 and several other trails in the area. (closure map) The public should not enter the area until the order has been lifted. The Black Hills National Forest is working to rescind the closure once 100% containment is reached. Once reopened the public is reminded to stay on designated trails in the Black Elk Wilderness and not enter the burned area as hazards exist.
A Temporary Flight Restriction has been put in place for the area and will continue until the order has been lifted. Modifications have been made to allow local commercial operators to continue services in the surrounding area.
The fire is burning in heavy dead and downed timber in steep and remote terrain. Cause of the fire is a lightning strike from July 20, 2020.
