The 79 Fire three miles north of Buffalo Gap, South Dakota saw containment percentages rise from 60 percent Monday morning to 90 percent Monday night as crews spent the day Monday strengthening and securing the perimeter.
The fire, which started Saturday along Highway 79 just north of Buffalo Gap raced six miles to the east, burning an estimated 5,400 acres. The fire burned through extremely dry vegetation with the region in extreme drought.
No structures have been lost in the fire and all road closures and temporary flight restrictions around the area have been lifted.
Monday night saw a major development as at 7pm the Type 3 Interagency Management Team overseeing the fire turned management back over to local fire departments.
Weather conditions have improved across the area with winds dying down and increased moisture chances throughout the rest of the week.
