MYRTLE FIRE UPDATE

Fire managers are working actively to contain and suppress the 1000-1500 acres Myrtle Fire while protecting life, property, and natural resources. 

The fire was reported today, July 19, 2012 at 1:30pm and is located approximately 1 mile east of Pringle, SD.  Currently containment remains at 0%.

Highway 385 from Pringle to Wind Cave remains closed. Custer County Sheriff Rick Wheeler and Custer County Emergency Coordinator Mike Carter are leading the evacuations of 33 residences. Wind Cave National Park Visitor Center and Ranger Programs are closed until further notice. The highway through Wind Cave National Park to Custer State Park remains open.

The American Red Cross has opened an emergency evacuation center at the Armory/Custer Middle School.  Spokesman Dan Kuecker, Emergency Services Coordinator for the western services region including the Black Hills, said he can accommodate up to 100 people right now and more by tomorrow.

A Type I team has been ordered and is en-route.

A Type-III Incident Management Team led by Matt Spring, Incident Commander, continues to strategize fire suppression tactics while monitoring fire behavior, the terrain, and weather forecasts. All firefighting strategies will prioritize the safety of the firefighters and the public.

Weather conditions tomorrow are expected to remain extremely hot and dry increasing the potential for extreme fire behavior.

Forest Service, State, several Volunteer Fire Departments, and National Park Service have responded to the incident. Approximately 200 firefighter personnel are on scene.

The public and the media can expect an update at 9am tomorrow morning.

For more information on the Myrtle Fire, contact Pam Wilhelm, Beth Doten, Kelly Stover at (605) 890-2232.

 Custer County emergency officials said today the City of Custer is in no danger or threat from the fire at Pringle, SD.

“Right now we are concerned about the area south of 385 and Pringle,” said Mike Carter, Emergency Coordinator for Custer County. “We have no concerns about Custer,” he said.

The public can go to Denver from Custer via Highway 385 and Highway 89 south to Denver.

People can get to Hot Springs from Custer- by going south on 385 and 89 to Minnekahta Junction.

“We will keep people informed if the situation changes,” Carter said.

A Type 1 fire management team will take over management of the fire later today. The Incident Command Post will be located at Custer High School.