RAPID CITY, S.D. – Fire officials say the acreage burned in the Auburn Fire is now estimated at 974 acres and containment remains at 50%.
A small burn out operation was accomplished overnight on the southern portion of the fire to eliminate fuels and strengthen fireline.
Fire behavior was active overnight as fire crews assisted volunteer and municipal crews with two new starts outside of the fire area to the north. One fire was reported to be estimated at 10 acres, the other roughly 35 acres.
Today there is a Red Flag Warning in effect from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM this evening for gusty winds and low relative humidity. The hot, dry, and windy conditions will be a concern for firefighters.
Firefighters will continue to aggressively secure fireline by reinforcing containment lines and mopping up hotspots. Aircraft will continue to be available to the Auburn Fire and for initial attack.
Those who were evacuated Monday due to the fire were allowed back in to their homes last evening. Fire officials encourage homeowners in the fire area, however, to be wary of changing fire conditions.
