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Crews continue to battle western South Dakota wildfires

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Crews continue to battle western South Dakota wildfires
The Divide Fire in Perkins County had grown to 8000 acres but is more than 80% contained

NEMO, S.D. (AP) — Firefighters have started to gain control of wildfires in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

The wildfires have forced the evacuation of more than 400 homes and closed Mount Rushmore. Three separate wildfires were burning Tuesday northwest of Rapid City. The largest is near Schroeder Road in the Nemo area. Officials say that fire is about 50% contained. At least one home has been destroyed. It’s expected that all homeowners will be allowed to return home by the end of the week.

Two smaller blazes were burning southwest of Rapid City, including one inside the grounds of the Mount Rushmore National Memorial. The monument and some surrounding roads were closed.

In addition, large grass fires are being fought in Jones and Perkins Counties.

 

The fire in Jones County grew to more than 9400 acres and caused the closure of I90 for a time on Monday. It is now more than 80% contained

 

March 31, 2021