SD Wildland Fire Plans Prescribed Burn for Today, 11-2-16

Custer, S.D. - Below is a release from SD Wildland Fire, SD Game Fish and Parks, and Custer State Park regarding the Apple Tree Prescribed Fire in Custer State Park planned for today. In addition, ignitions will continue on the Long Draw RX near Hill City today. Smoke will be clearly visible. The public is reminded that this is a prescribed burn and it is not necessary to call 9-1-1 to report the smoke. 

Please contact SD Wildland Fire at the contact information below for questions or comments related to the release.

Interagency – News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:   Jeni Lawver, (605) 393-8011 or cell (605) 381-7232, South Dakota Wildland Fire Division

Date: 11/01/16

Prescribed Fire to be Ignited in Custer State Park

Custer, S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division, Custer State Park and South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks are planning to ignite the Apple Tree prescribed fire on Wednesday, Nov. 2. Ignition will continue Thursday, Nov. 3, as conditions allow.

Firefighters are planning on burning approximately 624 acres. This project is located in Custer State Park, off of the southern end of the Wildlife Loop Road.

This interagency prescribed fire is a cooperative effort with grant funding provided by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. This grant funding helps meet land management objectives that otherwise could not have been accomplished due to budget constraints.

Objectives of the burn are to improve wildlife habitat, provide quality forage and reduce hazardous fuels in an effort to create and maintain a forested landscape that inhibits the spread of unwanted fire to the crowns of trees. Weather conditions will be monitored closely to ensure prescribed fire conditions align with management objectives for the burn.

Prescribed fire is used to maintain healthy native vegetation and is needed to prevent the encroachment of invasive species. Fire also reduces the hazardous buildup of debris and dead vegetation which can fuel wildfires.

Smoke may be visible in the surrounding areas, and can linger for several days after ignition has been completed. Fire crews will secure, patrol and monitor fire lines as appropriate for public and firefighter safety. For more information on smoke management visit:  http://gpfireinfo.blogspot.com/p/smoke-management.html.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect and preserve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.