According to the Great Plains Fire information website, Firefighters have been working through the night to contain the First Thunder fire that was reported early evening on September 2, 2024. The fire is burning grass and timber in steep, rugged, and rocky terrain under very dry conditions. The fire is also burning in a previously treated area, aiding with fire containment and suppression efforts.
Containment effort has been direct attack, where feasible, using safe and appropriate tactics. Firefighters will be implementing a combination of direct and indirect strategies for full suppression, while providing for firefighter and public safety.
Even with nearly 100 personnel fighting the fire using heavy machinery like dozers, engines, hand crews, air tankers and helicopters, the blaze has still grown 70 acres since Tuesday. Now, the fire sits at 170 total burned acres and still active at 0% containment as of Wednesday afternoon.
There are currently no evacuations in effect. Pre-evacuation information was delivered by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department to residents impacted by the fire last night for their awareness. There are a few road and trail closures impacted by the fire. Taylor Ranch, Norseman, Victoria Lake, and Falling Rock roads are currently closed. In addition to the road closures, Buzzard’s Roost Trail is also closed.
Fire weather Wednesday is expected to be breezy with winds from 15-25mph with gusts up to 45mph. The next three days will bring more favorable weather with lower temperatures into the 70s and higher relative humidity.
A Type 3 team assumed command of the fire today as of this (Wednesday) morning. For more information, please visit our Great Plains Fire Information blog at gpfireinfo.com. Public safety information can be found on the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.