Ranklin Ridge Fire – Actual – Beaver Fire , Custer, SD

Beaver Fire – Custer, South Dakota
9/13/2017

All Images: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press
All images were taken on Beaver Creek Road between Rifle Pit Road and Flynn Creek Road September 13, 2017 between 2:30 and 4:30pm .

Fire update: The Custer County Sheriffs office is calling this the “Beaver” fire which makes sense now because I was there around 2:30 and left around 4:30pm. Search and Rescue come in just before I left the area. I came down Rifle Pit Road and at that time no roads were blocked. The smoke column’s from my view appeared to be one burn area…

The “Beaver” fire is located in the area of Beaver Creek Road and Flynn Creek, the fire appears to be traveling in a NW direction. This is a separate fire from the one in Wind Cave National Park. Several fire agencies are on scene, including aircraft support. We do not know the approximate size of the fire yet; structures have been threatened during this fire. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office and Custer County Search and Rescue are currently blocking many of the roadways and we ask that people avoid this area. If you live in this area please be aware of your surroundings as fire conditions can change rapidly and evacuations are possible.

 

I was waiting for this and it broke out heavy smoke and this is the one full image I shot. Was on the back side of the fire with a Canon 7D and a 70-200 f2.8 on the camera cranked all the way down to 70mm.

 

“Beaver” fire, Custer, SD – September 13, 2017.. Image: Herb Ryan/ Custer Free Press.

 

 

“Beaver” fire, Custer, SD – September 13, 2017.. Image: Herb Ryan/ Custer Free Press.

 

“Beaver” fire, Custer, SD – September 13, 2017.. Image: Herb Ryan/ Custer Free Press.

 

“Beaver” fire, Custer, SD – September 13, 2017.. Image: Herb Ryan/ Custer Free Press.

 

“Beaver” fire, Custer, SD – September 13, 2017.. Image: Herb Ryan/ Custer Free Press.

 

 

Black Hills National Forest Hiring for 2017 Field Season

 

Custer, SD; December 12, 2016 – Beginning in January, the Black Hills National Forest will be hiring temporary employees for the 2017 field season.

Temporary positions are available in a variety of exciting and rewarding occupations such as fire, trails, forestry, engineering, wildlife, recreation, archeology and administrative support.

Job seekers can apply for temporary jobs during the following time frames:

• January 4-11, 2017: Wildland fire positions and other early season temporary positions
• February 1-7, 2017: Recreation, forestry, engineering, and other positions

Temporary job opportunities are available online at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r2/jobs. Job seekers can apply through USAJOBS during the applicable time periods at: www.usajobs.gov. Permanent job opportunities can be found online at:https://fsoutreach.gdcii.com/Outreach.

Work locations on the Forest include Bearlodge Ranger District, Sundance, WY; Northern Hills Ranger District, Spearfish, SD; Mystic Ranger District, Rapid City, SD and Hill City, SD; Hell Canyon Ranger District, Custer, SD and Newcastle, WY; Supervisor’s Office, Custer, SD.

The Forest Service is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills.

-USDA-

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Bill to Prevent Carelessly Started Prescribed Burns on Forest Service Land Heads to President’s Desk

December 5, 2016

Washington, DC — U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.) issued the following statements after the House passed Thune and Heitkamp’s Prescribed Burn Approval Act of 2016 (S. 3395), bipartisan legislation that would require collaboration between the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and local officials before initiating a prescribed burn on USFS lands when fire danger is rated as extreme. 

“Prescribed burns are a proven management tool that I support,” said Thune. “That said, before a prescribed burn is initiated, effective collaboration between Forest Service personnel and local officials is essential. South Dakota is all too familiar with what can happen when carelessly started prescribed burns, like the Pautre Fire, for example, blaze out of control. They can damage private property and require multiple local firefighting units, at a significant cost to taxpayers. I’m glad this common-sense bill is headed to the president, and I want to thank my colleagues in the House, including South Dakota Rep. Kristi Noem and House leadership, for recognizing the need to get this bill to the finish line.”

“The Forest Service needs to listen when ranchers and first responders say conditions are unsafe for a burn – and this bill will help guarantee that happens,” said Heitkamp. “The Pautre wildfire was completely preventable, making it obvious that the Forest Service hasn’t done enough to listen to local communities in North Dakota and beyond. Our bipartisan bill will help prevent what happened in 2013 from happening again, which will help protect our ranchers, their property, and valuable grasslands.”

Thune and Heitkamp introduced this legislation in response to the Pautre fire, a prescribed burn that was intended to cover just over 100 acres in northwestern South Dakota, but quickly turned into a 16,000 acre out-of-control fire that burned for several days and destroyed millions of dollars in private property.

The collaboration requirements in S. 3395 pertain only to the U.S. Forest Service. The bill, which was unanimously approved by the Senate on November 17, now heads to the president for his signature.

Connecting Agriculture – Thanking Our Firefighters – By Mike Jaspers, South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture November 23, 2016

Connecting Agriculture – Thanking Our Firefighters
By Mike Jaspers
South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture
November 23, 2016

The weather this fall across much of South Dakota has been unseasonably warm and dry. The mild weather, though, has caused an extended fire season in the state. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture has five divisions, one of which is the Wildland Fire Division. This division helps fight fires across the state as well as provides many other services and resources to local communities to ensure our firefighters have the tools and skills to fight fires safely and successfully. Below, Wildland Fire’s division director, Jay Esperance, shares a glimpse into what our firefighters do and the kind of fire season we have had this year.

“This year, South Dakota experienced one of the longest lasting wildfire seasons on record. Large fire activity started statewide in April with the warm spring weather. The active fire season, particularly in western South Dakota, prompted Governor Daugaard’s Drought Task Force to declare a 13 county area ‘Red Zone’ in western South Dakota. This designation allowed the state to assist counties that fought large, expensive fires.

“During July the 18,000 acre Freeman fire in Oglala Lakota County and the 14,000 acre Indian Canyon Fire in Fall River County kept state resources busy. The fire season then slowed in August and early September with timely rains, but an extended drying period brought drought conditions back to the western half of the state. These conditions created optimal fire conditions when the 41,000 acre Cottonwood Fire in Jackson County was ignited. This fire is the largest fire in state history for the month of October since 1949. Unseasonable warm conditions have extended the fire season into November with large fire activity still occurring in portions of the state.

“It’s been a busy season across the country too. When needed, our team travels across the country to assist in fighting fires in other states. This year our team has been assigned to fires in Colorado, Wyoming and North Carolina. These fires are complex and require team members to be completely engaged in activities in order to be safe and successful. I am passionate and committed to being an advocate of the safety of wildland firefighters and am proud of our team for taking safety seriously.

“Although our firefighting efforts tend to claim most of the glory, I am very proud of all aspects of the division. Our training program is currently in the planning process for three academies across the state. These academies offer training for state, federal and volunteer firefighters so they have the knowledge and skills to fight fire safely. The fuels mitigation program continues to accomplish thinning projects in the Black Hills in between responding to fires. The prescribed fire program is active in providing assistance with the planning and implementation of prescribed burn projects across the state to make sure they are done safely and only burn what has been targeted to burn. The fire prevention program continues to grow through cooperatively working with our interagency partners on projects to communicate and teach safety around fire. Finally, none of this work would be possible without the dedication and diligence of our administrative staff who make sure the phones get answered and the bills get paid.

“Our Wildland Fire Division is committed to protecting South Dakota’s forests, homes, farms and ranches from fire and to bringing everyone home safely. I am proud of the work we’ve done this year extinguishing over 550 fires.”

As we take time to celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends and families, I would like to thank all the volunteers, state employees and federal partners who have worked tirelessly this year to protect our homes and communities. I would also ask that as you gather with family, you keep in your thoughts and prayers those firefighters and their families who are unable to be together during this holiday season.

Burning Permits in the Black Hills May Open Later This Month

Rapid City, S.D.- Forecasted winter conditions with snow may allow the South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division to open up the burn permit season for the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District starting the weekend of Nov. 19.

Wildland Fire deputy director Jim Strain says, “Depending on snow cover conditions, we may just open up the Northern Black Hills for the season, and wait for more favorable conditions before opening up the rest of the rest of the Black Hills for burn permits.”

Normally, the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District is opened for permitted burns starting Nov. 1, however abnormally warm and dry conditions pushed that date back this year. Temporary burn permits for either slash pile or debris burning may be obtained at www.sd.gov/burnpermits  Burn permits obtained on-line are good through the March 31 expiration date.

Burning without a permit in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District is class II misdemeanor and could result in $125 fine.

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.

ANTI-HORSE PRESCRIBED FIRE SOUTHERN BLACK HILLS NATIONAL FOREST – PHOTOS

All Photos:Herb Ryan
Custer Free Press
Custer, SD
October 25, 2016

 The Hell Canyon Ranger District on the Black Hills National Forest ignited 750 of 1,500 acres on the Anti-Horse prescribed fire project Tuesday, October 25  On Wednesday, October 26, depending on weather the remaining 750 acres will be burned. Smoke will be visible for several miles and could impact Highway 16 west of Custer ,SD. Crews have been preparing to implement the project to meet management objectives for several years.

The Anti-Horse project area, located approximately 18 miles west of Custer, SD or 2 miles northwest of Jewel Cave National Monument, focuses on treating Forest Service land to reduce hazardous fuels.

A wildland firefighter uses a drip torch on an uphill slope to increase fire volume on a prescribed burn Tuesday afternoon October 25, 2016 in the Southern Black Hills National Forest. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Wildland  firefighters prepare to light a section at the Anti-Horse prescribed burn Tuesday afternoon October 25, 2016 in the Southern Black Hills National Forest. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

A helicopter crewman follows the drop of ping-pong sized chemical starters at the Anti-Horse prescribed burn Tuesday afternoon October 25, 2016 in the Southern Black Hills National Forest. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

A wildland firefighter watches the progress on a slope at the Anti-Horse prescribed burn Tuesday afternoon October 25, 2016 in the Southern Black Hills National Forest. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

A small pins succumbs to heat at the Anti-Horse prescribed burn Tuesday afternoon October 25, 2016 in the Southern Black Hills National Forest. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Crews wait in the dense smoke as a helicopter drops ping pong sized chemical starters at the Anti-Horse prescribed burn Tuesday afternoon October 25, 2016 in the Southern Black Hills National Forest. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Custer Engine 2 standing by for support along with several other community and USFS engines chemical at the Anti-Horse prescribed burn Tuesday afternoon October 25, 2016 in the Southern Black Hills National Forest. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

White Horse Fire Pennington County, SD

Around 11:00 am Monday morning, July 18, 2016, Federal, State and Local resources responded to a report of a smoke column 4 miles east of Crazy Horse Memorial located between Custer and Hill City South Dakota.The cause of the 1/2 acre fire is unknown.

The current drought conditions require the response that was shown today. AirTack and ground crews working together quickly to minimize the spread of fire. A Cat dozer was brought in around 11:45 am to establish fire lines.

 

White Horse Fire on White Horse Road in Pennington, County SD Monday July 18, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press.

 

Staging area at the White Horse Fire on White Horse Road in Pennington, County SD, Monday July 18, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press.

 

Bell water drop at the White Horse Fire on White Horse Road in Pennington, County SD, Monday July 18, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press.

 

A “Sky Crane” makes a muddy water drop at the White Horse Fire on White Horse Road in Pennington, County SD, Monday July 18, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press.

Open Fires Prohibited on Black Hills National Forest in Wyoming

Open Fires Prohibited on Black Hills National Forest in Wyoming

 Custer, SD —Acting Forest Supervisor Jim Zornes has signed an order prohibiting use of open fire on all National Forest System lands administered by the Black Hills National Forest within the State of Wyoming. The order is effective immediately and shall be in effect until rescinded or until December 31, 2016 whichever occurs first.

The order prohibits:

1.      Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, barbecue, grill or stove fire is prohibited.  The exception to this allows use of portable stoves, lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, pressurized liquid fuel or a fully enclosed (sheepherder type) stove with a ¼” spark arrester type screen is permitted.

2. Smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials.

3. Operating a chainsaw without a USDA or SAE approved spark arrester properly installed and in effective working order, a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of 2A kept with the operator, and one round point shovel with an overall length of at least 35 inches readily available for use.

4. Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame except in cleared areas of at least 10 feet in diameter and in possession of a chemical pressurized fire extinguisher with a minimum rating of at least 2A. 

5. Using explosives.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (e), the following persons are exempt from specified Prohibitions of this order: 

1)      Persons with a permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission may be eligible for an exemption from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4, and #5.

2)      Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty is exempt from Prohibitions #1, #3, #4, and #5

“Drought conditions persist in the area creating very high to extreme fire conditions. This order is necessary for the protection of public safety, public and private property, and the natural resources within the Black Hills National Forest in the state of Wyoming,” said Steve Kozel, Bearlodge District Ranger.

The Black Hills National Forest has a volatile wildfire profile due to the ponderosa pine fuel type and unique weather thus fire prevention is important. Conditions are expected to persist throughout the summer creating high potential for large fire development causing public safety and natural resource concerns.

For more information on the Black Hills National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/blackhills or call (605) 673-9200.

South Dakota Gov. Daugaard Issues Emergency Fire Declaration July 13, 2016

PIERRE, S.D. July 13, 2016 – Gov. Dennis Daugaard has issued an emergency fire declaration for 13 central and western South Dakota counties that have been impacted by drought conditions.

The counties are: Butte, Custer, Fall River, Haakon, Harding, Hughes, Jackson, Jones, Lawrence, Meade, Pennington, Perkins and Stanley.

Gov. Daugaard said the declaration allows state government services to be used as necessary to help the counties that are part of the declaration. The declaration was recommended by the state Drought Task Force which was activated by the Governor this week.

“Widespread drought, low humidity and high temperatures have led to a serious fire hazard in those 13 counties,” said Gov. Daugaard. “Persistent prairie fires could diminish the feed and water supplies needed for livestock; or create hardships for individuals, businesses and governments by destroying public, private and agricultural property.”

The declaration allows one single engine air tanker (SEAT) plane to be stationed in Pierre and be managed by the South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Division of Wildland Fire. The plane will respond as needed to fires in the declared counties. If used, the state would cover 90 percent of the cost while the counties would pay the other 10 percent. Additionally, the SEAT will be available to use on prairie fires affecting federal and tribal lands through existing agreements.  

“It has been a dry year in parts of South Dakota. Sixty percent of the land in our state is abnormally dry and counties primarily west of the river are experiencing moderate to extreme drought,” Gov. Daugaard said. “By declaring an emergency the state will be prepared to assist counties when and if fires break out.”

The Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District is not included in the declaration. The declaration period begins Friday, July 16, 2016 and will last no longer than Dec. 31, 2016.

Red Canyon Fire – Custer County South Dakota – Update

Updated at 8:10pm MST

Red Canyon Fire

• Size: Estimated at 15 – 12 acres
• Location: Custer County, approximately 6 miles west of Argyle
• Resources: SDS Engines, BHNF Engines, four crews, helicopter, two heavy air tankers, and a SEAT
• Cause: Lightning

Posted: 09 Jul 2016 01:04 PM PDT (source) Great Plains Fire Information

Red Canyon Fire

• Size: Estimated at 3-5 acres
• Location: Custer County, 6 miles west of Argyle
• Resources: SDS Engines, BHNF Engines, two crews, helicopter and tanker
• Cause: Unknown, Fire Investigator ordered
  ———————————————————————————————————————–

By Herb Ryan

Arrived at the fire incident off Pleasant Valley Rd in Custer County around 1:45 PM. The fire was spread out on the back side of a heavily forested ridge on private property at the intersection of Farmer and 20 mile Road. Early on structures were threatened. The owners of the property Jack and Ann Parsells were concerned about two barns and outbuildings on their property and a neighbor’s house that was under construction next to their property. As of 3:30 PM, no buildings had been damaged. The unofficial estimate at that time was 10-15 acres. Multiple units from  SD Wildland Fire, Custer Volunteer Fire Dept, Pringle VFD, Edgemont VFD, Hot Springs VFD and the Custer County Sheriff’s Office.

All shots were taken on the backside of a ridge, updates at 10:00 PM tonight.

Red Canyon Fire , in Custer County,SD July 9, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Custer VFD Engine 2 arriving at the Red Canyon Fire in Custer County,SD July 9, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Fire Units discuss logistics  at the Red Canyon Fire in Custer County, SD July 9, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

A Cat arrives to cut fire lines  at the Red Canyon Fire in Custer County, SD July 9, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Flying through the heavy smoke at the Red Canyon Fire in Custer County, SD July 9, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Notice the face at the bottom of the column. Photo:Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Dropping fire retardant at the Red Canyon Fire in Custer County, SD July 9, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press

 

Ready to drop fire retardant on the back side of a ridge at the Red Canyon Fire in Custer County, SD July 9, 2016. Photo: Herb Ryan/Custer Free Press