RAPID CITY, S.D. – Suppression efforts are going well on the lines of the First Thunder Fire as some welcome rain fell, aiding in the firefighting effort today.
According to the update, firefighters got a good handle on the wildfire overnight, currently at 157 acres. That is down from an earlier estimate of 170 acres. Fire officials said during today’s press conference, they hoped for some containment on the fire today.
Weather conditions are favorable today and officials say they are mopping up a large portion on the west side and are hoping to get everything contained & under control today.
One of the main areas of concern for fire crews was on the north flank, or the Dark Canyon area.
Fire officials say smoke will be visible from the fire for several days yet.
Meanwhile the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office cautions people to stay out of the fire idea, and to please not fly drones over the fire. Drones hamper air support and can ground tankers and helicopters fighting the fire.
Jason Mitzel of the Pennington County Sheriff’s office says the pre-evacuation notices remained out of abundance of caution.
As for roads in the area, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office says Falling Rock Road and the Buzzard’s Roost Trailhead are back open. Taylor Ranch, Norsemen and Victoria Lake Roads were still closed at last report.
