DEADWOOD, S.D. – Today is the 20th anniversary of the Grizzly Gulch Fire that threatened both Deadwood and Lead on June 29, 2002.
The fire began on private land and quickly spread toward the City of Deadwood. Over the next 10 days, the fire would scorch just over 11,000 acres and caused 5.5 million dollars of damage.
The fire lead to the total evacuation of the town of Deadwood.
The Deadwood Volunteer Fire Department will host an open house and public forum at the Deadwood Fire Hall, 737 Main Street, Tuesday commemorating the 20th anniversary.
As part of the open house and festivities, former Deadwood Mayor Francis Toscana at 12:30 p.m. will reflect upon and discuss the Grizzly Gulch Fire and its impact upon the Deadwood community. Following his presentation, the fire department will show the 2002 documentary of the fire produced by KEVN-TV.
