UPDATE 1:20 PM Friday:
Custer County officials are issuing active evacuation orders to 242 residences in the path of the Myrtle Fire, especially in the Argyle Road area, Custer County Sheriff Rick Wheeler said today at 12:30 hours MDT.
Pre-evacuation notices are being considered for other areas as well. Custer County officials have requested all search and rescue workers and have asked for help from other counties and agencies.
UPDATE 10:00 AM Friday:
The Myrtle Fire, reported yesterday, July 19, 2012 at 1:30pm approximately 1 mile east of Pringle, SD, has grown to 7500 acres and is 5 percent contained. Approximately 300 firefighter personnel are on scene with more coming.
Residents north of Argyle road to highway 385 have been placed on evacuation notice. For more information on evacuations, please call Frank at (605) 673-8307. Argyle road remains open.
The American Red Cross has opened an emergency evacuation center at the Armory/Custer Middle School.
Wind Cave National Park has been closed until further notice.
"Right now we are concerned about the area south of 385 and Pringle," said Mike Carter, Emergency Coordinator for Custer County. "We have no concerns about Custer," he said.
The public can go to Denver from Custer via Highway 385 and Highway 89 south to Denver.
People can get to Hot Springs from Custer- by going south on 385 and 89 to Minnekahta Junction.
"We will keep people informed if the situation changes," Carter said.
UPDATE 9:05PM 7-19:
Myrtle Fire continues to grow. 50 Residences Issued Evacuation Orders.
The Myrtle fire is burning in grass and thick Ponderosa Pine 2 miles east of Pringle, SD. It is estimated at 1,000 to 1,500 acres in size with zero containment. The cause of the fire is unknown.
More than 200 personnel are fighting the fire. A Type I team will take over the firefighting efforts Friday. A heavy air tanker has been ordered; helicopters are dropping retardant on the blaze.
Evacuation orders have been issued for residents in the Beaver Creek, Flynn Creek and Rifle Pit road areas. An urgent evacuation order has been issued for the Elk Mountain campground. A Red Cross Shelter has been set up at the Custer Middle School to assist those affected by the fire.
U.S. Highway 385 remains closed from Pringle to Wind Cave National Park. Wind Cave Visitors Center and Ranger Programs have been closed until further notice.
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Highway 385 between Pringle and Wind Cave is closed due to the Myrtle fire that started mid-afternoon. Voluntary evacuations have been recommended in the area which is about two miles east of Pringle on Highway 385. Several fire departments and state crews were dispatched to the fire. Five structures were reported threatened. The cause is unknown.
Photo by Hank Fridell, The Myrtle fire around 3:30 PM Thursday
Photo of Myrtle fire from Wind Cave to the east (Cathy Brickey)
Helicopter at Cold Brooke getting water for Myrtle Fire (Kathy Strasser Price)
Myrtle fire Thursday night (Jennifer Dunker Mechaley)
