RAPID CITY, S.D. – Fire crews will be digging in their heels and battling unfriendly firefighting weather today as they battle the First Thunder Fire southwest of Rapid City.
The fire, sparked Monday evening northeast of Colonial Pine Hills, has left residents with homes in the area feeling nervous.
The fire did not threaten any structures overnight, but that may change today, according to Jerome Harvey with Pennington County Fire.
Harvey says Homeowners need to be aware of potential evacuations in Dark Canyon, Norseman & Red Rocks areas given forecast wind shifts for later in the day.
Pre-evacuation orders have been issued from Dark Canyon Road to Falling Rock road along Highway 44, stretching south to Sheridan Lake road – between Clarkson road to the east to Victoria Lake road to the west.
Pre-evacuation is NOT an active evacuation order, but preparations should be made for a -potential-evacuation. Make sure all medical and financial documents are gathered, along with a plan for pets. Have a to-go bag ready to go with medications, clothing and other essentials.
If an evacuation order is issued, action needs to be taken immediately. As of right now, we only have pre-evacuation orders.
The fire was first reported on private property and is burning primarily in the Black Hills National Forest.
A Type 3 Incident Management Team has taken over fire operations.
Air support today includes 2 heavy air tankers, 2 type 1 helicopters and a KC-135 from Laramie.
The fire has resulted in several road closures in the immediate area, including Victoria Lake Road, Norseman Lane, Falling Rock Road and Buzzard’s Roost Trailhead.
At last report, the fire had burned over 150 acres.
RELATED: https://kbhbradio.com/fire-crews-on-scene-of-wildfire-sw-of-rapid-city/
Map of pre-evacuation area:
