11:09 a.m.: MYRTLE FIRE UPDATE

The Myrtle fire is now 7,500 acres. The area where evacuation or pre-evacuation notices have been given run from Pringle down Hwy. 89 to Argyle Loops A&B, to Argyle Road, Hwy. 385 north to Hot Springs, back up 385 to Rifle Pit Road, Rifle pit back to Beaver Creek Road. Everything inside that area has been notified, as has Flynn Creek Road to Apple Valley. Wind Cave National Park remains closed. The fire is 5% contained. A type I team will take over at 1600 hours. The fire started just off Hwy. 386, off Forest Service Road 3241 D. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time. Fire lines are holding on the north side. Barricades have been put in place at Rifle Pit Road, Cold Springs, Wind Cave National Park on Hwy. 385 to prevent people from entering the area where firefighters are working. There are no plans to close Hwy. 89 at this time.

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Custer Middle School to assist those affected by the Beaver Creek wildfire located near Pringle, SD.  The school is located at 527 Montgomery Street in Custer, SD and has the capacity to shelter up to 175 individuals.

Currently a number of homes have been evacuated and displaced residents are encouraged to register at the shelter.  Red Cross volunteers are providing warm meals and a shoulder to lean on for those with immediate, disaster-caused needs.

Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family:

• Prescriptions and emergency medications
• Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements
• Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents
• Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items
• Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys
• Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled 
• Note – Public health regulations do not permit pets in shelters; service animals are permitted.