A large grass fire continues to burn north of Rapid City, but crews have gained ground overnight and there have still been no structures lost.
The Auburn Fire was listed at 6:30 last night as 250-300 acres and zero-percent containment, but an 8:00 AM update put containment at 25% with lines completely around the perimeter.
       The acreage did grow to between 500-750 acres, but a good portion of the increase came from a successful overnight burnout that strengthened the lines on the west and north sides of the fire.
The Auburn Fire began about 1:30 PM and forced a number of evacuations, which remain in effect.
It’s burning in an area with major paved roads that provide ready-made fire lines while allowing quick movement for personnel and engines.
State, local, and federal ground crews are being aided today by an Air Attack spotter platform, a large aerial tanker, multiple small aerial tankers, and a Type 1 helicopter. The use of drones in the fire area is banned.
The cause of the Auburn Fire is still under investigation, but the fast-moving flames were fueled by abnormally high temperatures, gusty winds, and drought-like dryness.