HOT SPRINGS, SD – Crews are mopping up a 13.4-acre lightning caused fire first reported early Saturday afternoon in Wind Cave National Park. Firefighters remained on-scene throughout the night to prevent the fire from jumping control lines during a high wind event. Containment is expected by late Sunday afternoon.
Crews from Wind Cave National Park, the Black Hat Handcrew from South Dakota Wildland Fire, the Sioux Falls Fire Rescue fire department, and the Black Hawk Fire Department helped control the blaze along with two aircraft, the initial attack helicopter from the Black Hills National Forest, and a SEAT, Single Engine Airtanker, operating out of the tanker base at the Hot Springs Municipal Airport.
The fire was located approximately 2 miles northeast of the park’s visitor center. No structures were threatened, and no injuries were reported.
The fire danger remains very high, and people are reminded to be safe in their outdoor activities.