The current fire ban will remain in effect until conditions and sufficient moisture exist to provide recovery. A unilateral decision will be made at that time between the State of South Dakota ,United States Forest Service and Custer County. The recent moisture on 7/5/2012 was insufficient to have any impact on the ban. All restrictions to include no campfires are still in effect.
Oil Creek Fire Update
Newcastle, Wyoming
Incident Commander: Mark Thibo
Friday, July 6, 2012 @ 9:30 AM
Location: Newcastle, Wyoming
Size: Current size estimated at 61,472 acres.
Cause: Under investigation.
Containment: Estimated at 50%
Land Ownership: BLM, State and Private.
Personnel: Approximately 719 personnel assigned.
Equipment: 14 dozers, 6 water tenders and 61 assorted wild land and structural protection engines on scene.
Aircraft: Three Type 1 and two Type 3 helicopters assigned.
Injuries: No injuries today.
Evacuations: Officials are re-evaluating the evacuations this morning. However at this time all evacuations remain in place. Level 2 evacuations remain in place along Skull Creek Rd. (14), Elk Grove Trail (7), Ertman Rd. (6) and for all residences within the fire perimeter. Level 1 evacuation remains in effect for Osage, Newcastle and along Hwy. 16 between Newcastle and Osage.
Weather: Last night’s wetting rain helped with suppression efforts. Weather is expected to moderate Friday through Sunday, with temperatures in the lower 80’s and higher relative humidity.
What’s New: Yesterday’s gusty winds tested the lines, but to everyone’s satisfaction, they held. Crews were able to make good progress on the line. Much of the work today is focused on mop-up along Oil Creek Rd. and the NE section of the fire. Crews will continue to mop up and patrol for hot spots and begin rehab within the fire perimeter.
Chuck Turley, Incident Information Officer – Phone (307) 746-2614
Great Plains Fire Information
Fire Information (605) 923-8868
Email: greatplainsfireinfo@gmail.com
Date: 7/5/2012
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Custer, SD – Cooler weather and less wind aided firefighting efforts across the area today. Firefighters continued to patrol and mop-up fires throughout the Black Hills. The extended forecast shows a chance of thunderstorms through the weekend.
Ghost Fire
The 1,508-acre lightning caused Ghost Fire is 100 percent contained. The fire started on Monday, July 2 at approximately 11:30 a.m., 13 miles west of Sundance, WY in Crook County. Occasional smoke may still be visible while firefighters continue to patrol the fire over the next several days.
White Draw Fire
The 8,900-acre White Draw Fire, four miles north of Edgemont, SD is 95 percent contained. For information on the White Draw Fire, please call 1-605-891-1790.
The Black Hills: From Custer to Devils Tower. 