HILL CITY, S.D. – Firefighters on Tuesday continue their efforts to suppress the Palmer Gulch fire, which has been burning since Saturday within the Norbeck Wildlife Preserve, near the Black Elk Wilderness Area.
A Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon today to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Low relative humidity and gusty southwest winds of 10 to 15 mph are expected Tuesday afternoon. Firefighters have been working diligently to strengthen containment lines in anticipation of this event. Hazard trees continue to be a safety concern for firefighters along with steep, rugged terrain.
Planned actions are also in place to support initial attack should a new fire ignite. Aircraft including helicopters, air attack, and Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs) remain as available resources to firefighters.
Nearly 100 personnel are assigned to the fire as the containment stands at 40% and 87 acres.
Palmer Creek Road continues to be closed until further notice. For public safety, many trails in the Black Elk Wilderness Area are also closed. Trail #2, #3, #4, #8, #9N, and #9S will be closed until further notice. Smoke will continue to be thick in the area for the next several days. The public is asked to avoid traveling on roads and trails in the vicinity of the fire for their own safety and the safety of firefighters.
