RAPID CITY, S.D. – Fire crews say they are making some progress on two wildfires burning near Keystone.
The 244 Fire is burning near Mount Rushmore and officials say the fire is burning within the park and nearby structures are considered threatened. This includes park facilities and private residences.
The fire’s head remains active with general fire creeping and smoldering. The fire is now 30-percent contained and has burned 117 acres so far. Additional crews were expected to arrive today.
The fire’s cause is listed as human caused but authorities have not said what started it.
Meanwhile, the Keystone Fire is burning about a half mile south of Keystone on state land. The fire is listed at 10-percent contained and was downgraded to 15 acres overnight.
Great Plains Fire Dispatch reports structure protection was implemented overnight and remains in place today. Burnouts were successful and crews will work on getting a line around it. There is significant smoke in the area of the fire.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial remains closed today due to the fire activity in the area.
