RAPID CITY, S.D. – Fire crews made excellent progress on the Schroeder Fire Thursday, as firefighters reached 86% containment.
Fire officials say despite the Red Flag Warning fire conditions, mop up work went well.
During mop up operations, firefighters break apart smoldering debris, and drench the exposed embers with water or foam. They dig into ash-filled holes, to extinguish any embers hidden there. They pay very close attention to the area immediately around a home or other structure, to ensure that no embers there could flare up to ignite the building.
Firefighters test their work by using their ungloved hands to dig through the ash. If they feel heat, they’re not finished.
The fire remained at 2,195 acres Thursday night.
Earlier Thursday, Highway 44 was reopened and most evacuations have been lifted for the fire area, with the exception of Nameless Cave Road and Cleghorn Canyon.
