RAPID CITY, S.D. – Firefighters on Wednesday had another day of good progress battling the Schroeder Fire just to the west of Rapid City.
They conducted several successful burnout operations, which improved fire lines by removing unburned fuel between the line and the main body of the fire.
Those operations slightly increased the fire’s acreage to 2,195 acres. Containment remains at 47%.
A glow from these recently burned areas was visible from communities near the fire overnight.
Overnight fire crews remained on patrol, checking all structures in the fire area, with close attention to areas that were recently burned. They visited each structure multiple times during the night, and extinguished any hot spots that might pose a threat.
A virtual community meeting was held on the official Schroeder Fire 2021 Facebook page last night where those affected by the fire could ask questions.
The fire area is under a Red Flag Warning through this evening, due to historically dry fuels, wind, and low humidity. Our firefighters need your help today: Please avoid outdoor use of fire, or anything that could make sparks. Together, we can prevent another new fire.
Several areas were allowed back home yesterday. They include Pinedale Heights Area, Westberry Trails Area, Cinnamon Ridge, Red Dale Drive & National Guard Way.
South Dakota Highway 244 was reopened to traffic early this morning but U.S. Highway16A (Iron Mountain Road) from S.D. Highway 244 to S.D. Highway 36 remains closed due to heavy fire-related vehicle activity. There is no timeline on when to reopen Highway 44 yet.
The fire began Monday in the Schroeder Road area. It is listed as human caused, but authorities have not stated what sparked it.
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Meanwhile, fire crews continued battling two smaller fires near Keystone and Mount Rushmore.
The 244 Fire near the memorial was mapped at 136-acres. This increase from the last reported 123-acres is due to more accurate mapping of the fire perimeter.
Containment is now 75%.
Mount Rushmore National Memorial reopened for visitors at 5:00 a.m. this morning.
The Keystone Fire was between 9 and 10 acres with mop up operations planned for today.
And, up north:
BISON, S.D. – In Perkins County, on the lines of the Divide Fire, Fire continued to burn in the perimeter of the burned area Wednesday and does not pose a threat.
Several departments including Bison, Prairie City, Lodgepole, Hettinger and Lemmon continue to monitor and conduct mop-up operations.
All highways remain open, but caution is advised due to fire apparatus traffic.
Containment remains at 80%.
