Thousands of acres are burned

Summer is only halfway through and much of the Black Hills has been affected by forest fires. While the height of fire season is normally in August, many areas have seen large fires beginning in June. Fire crews from across then nation have been working hard and aiding other parts of the country.

Large fires surrounding Custer County were put out this week by hard-working firefighters. The White Draw fire reached 100 percent containment Friday, July 6, after 9,000 acres were burned. The Highlands Fire, which burned 394 acres, was also contained that day. The Parker Peak Fire was contained on Tuesday, July 3, with 650 acres burned. 

The only fire still burning nearby Custer County is the Oil Creek Fire located northwest of Newcastle, Wyo. On Monday afternoon, the fire was 95 percent contained, with over 62,000 acres burned.

Oil Creek — Newcastle, Wyo.

The Oil Creek fire started Friday, June 29, northwest of Newcastle. The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Originally a large crew responded to the 30,000-plus- acre blaze, but as of Thursday, July 5, the fire grew to 60,716 acres with 40 percent containment. A crew of 521, made up of 11 dozers, six water tenders and 49 assorted wild land and structural protection engines, is working on containing the fire and creating control lines. There are also five Type I, one Type II and two Type III helicopters providing air assistance. The fire is burning on timber, both grass and understory, Ponderosa Pine, Rocky Mountain Juniper, sage and grass. The fire has been very active with torching and spotting.