Heat "tests firefighters" on Crow Peak Fire - KOTA Territory News

Heat "tests firefighters" on Crow Peak Fire

FIRE UPDATE:

The Crow Peak Fire has grown to 100 acres and is 25% contained Tuesday morning. It was started Saturday by lightning and is burning in steep, rugged terrain according to Great Plains Fire Information.

Great Plains also says that Monday night's rain brought a little relief to the fire, but Tuesday there is a red flag warning and firefighters will also have to worry about low humidity and temperatures in the high 90's. Conditions like this, Great Plains says, will put firefighters to the test.

Northern Hills District Ranger, Rhonda O'Byrne said, "In these hot and dry conditions, it is especially important to look out for your crew members and take care of yourself. Stay hydrated, alert, take breaks, and be safe out there."

Currently there are about 160 personnel working on the Crow Peak Fire. That includes two Blackhawk helicopters that are still helping with water bucket drops. Two more hand crews are expected to show up Tuesday afternoon.

The goals for firefighters are to keep each other and the public safe, protect heritage resources, and keep the fire from moving west.

Crow Peak hiking trail is still closed to the public, as well as Crow Peak Road and several other access roads near the fire.

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FIRE UPDATE:

The 50 acre fire burning on the west side of Crow Peak is just 5 percent contained.

The lightning ignited fire started Saturday night, southwest of Spearfish.

40 firefighters from federal, state and local agencies, as well as three National Guard helicopters continue fight the fire today.

The public is asked to steer clear of the area as crews have a lot of work to do.

The Crow Peak Hiking Trail is closed.

Meanwhile, the McKenna Spring's fire has been 100 percent contained.

It burned 18 acres approximately six miles south west of Jewel Cave National Park.

A fire weather watch is in effect all day tomorrow for northeast Wyoming and western South Dakota.

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Two fires burning in the Black Hills are believed to have been started by lightning.

The Crow Peak Fire, located on the west side of Crow Peak, southwest of Spearfish has burned about 75 acres. According to Bonnie Jones with the Great Plains Fire Information, as of Sunday morning it was 0% contained. The cause it believed to be lightning, but it has not been confirmed.

The Crow Peak Hiking Trail is closed to the public.

There are structures in the area but none are currently threatened.  If that situation changes affected land owners will be notified.

The McKenna Springs Fire is burning approximately six miles south west of Jewel Cave National Park, burning in the old Roger Shack burn. It's burned about 18 acres and as of Sunday morning it was 40% contained. According to Sheila French with the Great Plains Fire Information, the cause of this fire is lightning.

Resources on scene include personnel from Black Hills National Forest, State of South Dakota, Custer Volunteer Fire Department, Argyle Volunteer Fire Department, Department of Correction hand crew.  The Wyoming Helicopter also assisted yesterday and is anticipated to be used again today. Additional resources have been ordered.

The Jump Off Fire was fully controlled Saturday night and was in the same general area as the McKenna Springs Fire. It burned about 1 acre and was caused by lightning.