Wildfire Spreads in South Dakota

Evacuations forced in Custer State Park

 

CUSTER, S.D. (AP) — A wildfire is spreading and forcing evacuations in Custer State Park in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota.

The fire had grown to about 4 square miles by Monday afternoon. The state Wildland Fire Division says five homes in the park have been evacuated, though no buildings have burned and no one has been hurt.

The division says another concern is the historic Blue Bell Lodge, which is closed for the season. Officials say it’s not currently threatened by the fire, but they’re keeping an eye on the area.

About 200 firefighters are battling the blaze, which erupted Monday amid dry, warm weather. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

See also  Photos: Burbank Brushfire

Custer State Park features hills with ponderosa pine and prairie. The park is closed, as are all roads in and out of the park.

All contents © copyright 2017 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Topics

Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter

Stay in the loop with our wildland newsletter.

Evacuations forced in Custer State Park   CUSTER, S.D. (AP) — A wildfire is spreading and forcing evacuations in Custer State Park in the Black Hills of southwest South Dakota. The fire had grown to about 4 square miles by Monday afternoon. The state Wildland Fire Division says five homes in the park have been […]

Get The Wildland Firefighter Newsletter

Related Articles

Wildfires in Portugal Kill Four Firefighters

Wildfires in Portugal Kill Four Firefighters

By HELENA ALVES and JOSEPH WILSON Associated Press LISBON, Portugal (AP) — Five thousand firefighters struggled Tuesday to contain multiple wildfires raging across northern Portugal that are blamed for causing at least six deaths including four firefighters and...

What’s the Cost?

What’s the Cost?

Throughout our lives and careers, there will be times that we’re asked a question or asked to do something that is something we’d rather not say or do. It’s normal. Sometimes we might not believe what the desired answer is. In other words, our boss wants us to agree...