RAPID CITY, S.D. – Prescribed burns are planned at both Wind Cave National Park and Ellsworth Air Force Base.
Officials at Wind Cave National Park announced a planned control burn of more than one 1,000 acres sometime this month. The area burned will include an open ponderosa pine forest close to the park’s headquarters.
According to Park Superintendent Leigh Welling the fire will lessen the threat of wildfires by reducing fuel load near park structures.
National Park Service Firefighters, and other surrounding fire services will be conducting the burn.
Smoke may be heavy along Highway 385 and the surrounding area. In addition, the highway may be closed for safety purposes.
At Ellsworth Air Force Base, the 28th Civil Engineer Squadron and Air Force Wildland Fire Branch are planning controlled burns on Ellsworth Air Force Base, depending on weather conditions.
The base says fires will enhance vegetation and improve environmental conditions on Ellsworth Air Force Base, and that controlled burns are the safest and most effective method available to environmental managers for vegetation enhancement.
The burns will be managed by civil engineer and fire personnel.
Base and area residents can expect to see smoke from the fires, and may see and hear fire response vehicles on route and at the fire locations. The base says that precautions will be taken to minimize impacts and ensure public safety remains priority.
