Strong southerly winds, low humidity, and drought conditions created critical fire danger and Red Flag Warnings on Thursday. Two large wildland fires broke out on Thursday across the west.
The first fire is located in steep draws in heavy red cedars and tall grass near Gooseneck and Rockyford, South Dakota. According to the BIA Forestry and Wildland Fire Management Friday morning, the fire was estimated to be between 800 and 1,000 acres in size and was only ten percent contained.
The agency continues that, with winds sustained over 25mph, fire crews are having difficulty containing the fire, which is currently threatening ten structures on the western line.
Fire crews continue to battle the Power Dam Road Fire in south-central South Dakota near the White River area. Several fire departments from the region brought firefighters and trucks as strong winds quickly fanned out the fire.
During Thursday night, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety reported strong south winds were pushing the fire northward towards the town of Okaton and several ranches in the area. Residents north of the White River, including those in the Belvidere, Okaton, and Murdo areas along Interstate 90, were warned to closely monitor the fire's status and follow any instructions from local public safety authorities.
The winds then pushed the fire north and west on Friday morning, and the town of Murdo was reported not to be in danger at this time, according to the Jones County Emergency Management.
Will next week help with the fire danger? Forecast models are showing chances of rain, and some areas may see significant amounts, but not as much in the drought areas.
