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UPDATE: Cold Brook Fire 30 Percent Contained At Wind Cave National Park

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Editor's note: This CORRECTS that fire is just 30 percent, not 80 percent, contained, adds Wednesday's forecast.

A prescribed burn at Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota that got out of control was 30 percent contained Tuesday, though it had blown up to about 4,500 acres on top of the 1,000 acres that was within the prescribed burn boundaries, park officials said.

The "Cold Brook" fire, burning in steep, rugged terrain within the southern, "Keyhole," portion of the park was threatening three ranches along the park's eastern boundary and two park structures. While crews hoped to complete containment Tuesday, a Red Flag Warning called for hot, dry weather with wind gusts to 30 mph.

The park’s backcountry and hiking trails were closed, and visitors were encouraged to stay on established roads and watch for emergency vehicles. Park roads NPS 5 and 6 (Red Valley Road and Highland Creek Road) were closed due to heavy fire traffic.

The blaze, burning in a mix of timber and prairie, was being fought by about 70 ground crews supported by two South Dakota Air National Guard Blackhawk Helicopters and three Single-Engine Air Tankers (SEATS).

Wednesday's weather forecast called for a 60 percent chance of rain, with temperatures in the mid-50s and winds 9-15 mph with occasional gusts to 21 mph.

 

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