Lightning Sparks Fires Around the Hills
Local News
by
Kyle Horan and Adam Uhernik
last edited on
Friday, August 27, 2010
Firefighters say lighting sparked multiple fires Friday afternoon in the Black Hills.
The Lakota Point fire was Hermosa off of Highway 40.
The fire was located between Yellow Oak Road and Crooked Canyon Road.
Officials say about 40-acres have burned so far, and it's moving in a southeastern direction.
Early this evening the fire was about ten percent contained.
"We've got enough resources right now that we are starting to gain an upper hand on this thing if the humidity stays up like they are right now and we have some favorable wind conditions. We should be getting a handle on this thing by tomorrow morning," says firefighter Joe Lowe.
Firefighters say they have a lot of resources to help combat the fire.
In addition to firefighters on the ground, helicopters, spotting planes, and dusting planes all are fighting the fire and will be into the night.
The fires are in the vicinity of multiple houses; however some property owners say they're not too worried.
"So, I don't think this fire is quite as serious as some years because we aren't as dry as we've been like four or five years ago when we are in the middle of a drought," says Doug Hesnard.
Highway 40 has been closed at the junction of Highway 79 to Magnuson Road.
Only firefighting personnel and equipment are being allowed through the road block.
Firefighters say you should stay clear of the area of the fire so they can do their job and put the fire out.
Other fires sparked Friday afternoon as well.
The Flynn Creek fire is about 30 acres in size and located two miles west of Custer State Park.
Also the South Fork Divide located eight miles southeast of Fairburn ignited Friday afternoon.
Crews say that fire is contained at 25-acres, and then the Aristocat fire located 3 miles southeast of Chadron, NE.
This is a huge fire estimated between 150 to 200 acres with many resources responding.