South Dakota: Rain and flash flood warnings for White Draw Fire

White Draw Fire

Firefighters on the White Draw fire near Edgemont, South Dakota received a present from mother nature Thursday night in the form of rain. Lots of it, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a flash flood warning. Between 8 and 9 p.m. almost three-quarters of an inch was measured at the Red Canyon weather station 1.5 miles east of the fire. Rain continued to fall until 2 a.m. Friday morning, bringing the total to 1.09″. Thunderstorms delivered the precipitation accompanied by strong winds, with one gust reaching 46 mph. Other weather stations in the area recorded rain amounts of 0.90″ to 1.33″.

There was a great deal of lightning in southwest South Dakota as well, but the widespread rain will reduce the number of new fire starts.

On Thursday the White Draw fire was 95 percent contained. Today they expect to reach 100% as some of the fire crews and engines are being demobilized.

Parker Peak Fire

This fire 2 miles east of the White Draw fire was 100 percent contained on Thursday. Today there will ten people assigned, working on three engines and one water tender.

Highlands Fire

Located about 14 miles southeast of Newcastle, WY and south of US Highway 16, the fire on Thursday remained at 394 acres and  95 percent containment.

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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.