RAPID CITY, S.D. – Last night, firefighters protected structures as they continued to build and improve fire lines to contain the Schroeder Fire burning west of Rapid City.
An infrared mapping flight Tuesday afternoon measured the fire’s size at 2,165 acres. Containment is now 47% and is expected to increase steadily.
Residents can now return to Pinedale Heights Area, Westberry Trails Area, Cinnamon Ridge, Red Dale Drive & National Guard Way. However, Highway 44 will stay closed overnight, including all side roads east and west of Highway 44.
The areas opened up to residents can be accessed by homeowners only. Law enforcement will be posted to allow access for residents.
Stephanie Cook, public information officer for the current Type II Incident Management Team, says progress made overnight by a workforce of 250 firefighters was not insignificant…
“We have made such great progress and again saving all the homes after driving around out there, it was quite a sight to see all the black burned up to homes and those homes were safe because of the diligent work of fire crews.”
Rapid City Fire Department Chief Jason Culberson, whose agency is playing a supporting role in the fires outside city limits, said the winds the last few days have been the primary challenge.
“Those winds that have been blowing have made it very difficult for our crews. But, the interagency cooperation we had was absolutely phenomenal.”
With wind speeds far lower today than the two prior days, Cook said crews on the ground are confident they will continue making progress.
The fire continues to burn in steep rough country inaccessible by roads. Heavy airtankers and helicopters continue to support ground firefighters as they protect homes and work to contain the fire.
The incident objectives are to keep the fire north of Highway 44, south of Nemo Road, west of Rapid City limits, and east of Nameless Cave Road and Wild Irishman Road.
Hundreds of firefighters are battling the blaze and are being aided by a heavy air tanker and two South Dakota Army National Guard helicopters.
