Two fires in Black Hills a day after it snowed

A warm, sunny day melted most of the snow that had fallen about 24 hours before.

Lame Johnny Fire

Above: The Lame Johnny Fire east of Custer State Park. Photo by Bill Gabbert.

In spite of the snow that was on the ground the day before, firefighters dealt with two fires in the Black Hills of South Dakota on Sunday. The Lame Johnny Fire, named after the nearby Lame Johnny Creek and a road by the same name, burned about 50 acres of grass east of Custer State park and west of Highway 79.

The other, off Penial Road west of Custer, burned a couple of acres before fire crews knocked it down.

The cause of both was burning slash piles that escaped. With snow on the ground it is likely that the private landowners who ignited the piles felt comfortable yesterday, not expecting the snow to disappear so quickly.

Penial Fire
Penial Fire west of Custer, SD

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Author: Bill Gabbert

After working full time in wildland fire for 33 years, he continues to learn, and strives to be a Student of Fire.

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