Apple fire, South Dakota. Photo, March 28, 2012 by Bill Gabbert

The Apple fire, 8 miles southeast of Custer, South Dakota, is winding down and firefighters are being released. The size is holding at 546 acres and the Incident Commander expects to call it 100% contained at the end of the operational period today.

Here is an update, posted on InciWeb at about 3:30 p.m. today:

Final Update: “Crews were able to get a good handle on the Apple Fire yesterday,” Lynn Kolund, Hell Canyon District Ranger said. By the end of the shift, 50% of the fire was contained. Kolund said if conditions warrant, they are expecting 100% containment tonight. Control lines held overnight and the fire acreage remained at 546 acres. “The wind helped to consume downed wood in the interior of the fire,” Kolund said. Air support did another fly over at 9:00AM this morning to assess the situation. A few small smokes remain within the fire.

Today many of the fire resources are traveling home. Remaining resources continue to mop up smokes and patrol the fire. Todd Pechota, Fire Management Officer, commended the firefighters for no injuries during the fire. “The safety record has been good, but it is not over until you are all safely home,” Pechota said.