Crews battling the Four Mile Fire made excellent progress
Tuesday and hope to have the fire fully contained later today,
according to a news release from the Northern Great Plains Joint
Information Office.
With warmer temperatures in the forecast, firefighters are
working hard to contain the 2,220-acre fire burning in Custer State
Park.
"The fire crews have completed a significant amount of work in
the last 48 hours," state wildland fire coordinator Joe Lowe said.
"We have every intent of maintaining this forward progress and
striving for 100 percent containment by the end of today."
A temperature inversion with cooler air that helped
firefighters Tuesday had already lifted this morning. The warming
temperatures will further dry the drought-stressed fuels.
Significant smoke is expected today as unburned pockets of
fuel within the fire zone continue to burn.
Smoke will linger for several days as timber in the fire's
interior smolders.
All roads and trails within the fire's perimeter remain
closed.
The investigation into the arson caused fire continues.
"It is unfortunate to have an incident get started by arson,"
said Richard Miller, park superintendent. "The park staff is
thankful that no one was hurt."
The park is grateful for the support and assistance from the
various agencies and personnel fighting the fire, Miller
said.
"What could have been a disastrous situation was mitigated
through effective and efficient fire management," the park
superintendent said.
The cost of the Four Mile Fire is estimated at over $800,000.
The fire also delayed park visitors and was a nuisance for
vacationers.
Officials expected to reopen the Wildlife Loop Road at noon
today from the State Game Lodge through CSP3, Oak Draw Road.
Roads within on the interior of the Wildlife Loop Road were
reopening at noon.
French Creek Horse Camp, which was evacuated when the fire
started Monday, was reopening at noon, but horseback riding is
prohibited south of CSP 4 - Lame Johnny Road.
Blue Bell Lodge is open, but with limited trail rides. For
more information contact the Lodge at 255-4531.
Highway 87 is open to traffic.
For detailed road closure information contact the Custer State
Park Office at 255-4515.
With the Fourth of July approaching and predictions of more
hot, dry weather, people reminded to take care with their
campfires.
Fireworks are not permitted within any state park or
recreation area in South Dakota.
