BISON, S.D. – Fire officials battled a flare up on the lines of the Divide Fire Tuesday afternoon.
The Perkins County Sheriff’s Office says the Divide Fire crossed highway 20 near the junction of South Dakota Highway 75.
When the flare up started, the fire was approximately 3 miles south of Highway 20 headed southeast near Bixby road. The flare up closed Highway 20 and Bixby Road as it moved rapidly along the southwest flank of the original burned area.
By 6:00 p.m. officials said the fire was east of the Bixby Road and south of Bison and continued to burn southeast. Several tractors with implements began making a fire brake downwind of the head.
In their latest report, officials say fire growth had slowed and firefighters continue to fight the southwest flank and monitor. Additional units continue to arrive as far away as Redig.
SD Highway 20 west of Bison and Bixby Road are both now open. The Perkins County Sheriff reminds residents to limit travel in the area to essential traffic only. If you have to travel in that area please be cautious of fire trucks and first responders. Also reduce speed as visibility may be limited in spots.
Grand Electric Coop says with the fire burning in the Bixby road area, crews had to open the breaker and will not be able to restore power until the line is clear and it is safe to do so.
***(THIS IS AN UPDATE TO OUR EARLIER POST BELOW)***
BISON, S.D. – The Perkins County Sheriff’s Office says the Divide Fire has flared up again and crossed highway 20 near the junction of SD 75.
The fire is now approximately 3 miles south of HWY 20 headed southeast near Bixby Road. If you are in this path, please be prepared to evacuate. Highway 20 is closed at this time due to no visibility and an active fire. The Bixby road south of Bison is also closed.
Authorities encourage residents to please stay away from the area of the fire. The fire continues to move rapidly along the southwest flank of the original burned area.
