Schroeder wildfire threatens Rapid City fire suppression, South Dakota
Image credit: Pennington County SO
Multiple National Guard helicopters were in full aerial suppression mode on March 29, 2021, as the Schroeder Fire burned multiple homes and threatened thousands more west of Rapid City, South Dakota.
Approximately 500 homes were ordered to evacuate the area as high winds helped spread the blaze.
The area was under a High Wind Warning with gusts over 110 km/h (70 mph) reported in nearby Rapid City.
Crews will be working around the clock to attempt to contain the fire as high winds continue to push it south overnight.
Multiple highways as well as Mount Rushmore National Memorial were closed due to the fire.
Heavy air tankers from Colorado are expected to join fire suppression efforts in the Black Hills tomorrow as multiple fires broke out across the area during the Red Flag Warning.
As of March 29, the fire was last estimated at around 770 ha (1 900 acres) with 0% containment.
Aerial surveillance of the SchrosdervRoad fire. Lots of smoke and high winds. Over 800 acres burned already. pic.twitter.com/ORA7lrBMQc
— Pennington County SO (@PennCoSheriff) March 29, 2021
Here’s the view of the #SchroederFire from Skyline Drive. This gives you an example of the proximity to Rapid City. Strong northwest winds will drive this fire toward highway 44 southwest of town. #SDwx pic.twitter.com/GV6ANuWoYA
— David Stradling (@chaser_dave) March 29, 2021
This fire isn’t the worst #RapidCity has seen, but it’s a stark reminder of the 1988 fire that tore through the west side of town. Talked to a fire official tonight and we agreed that many are banding together to provide for those displaced. There’s hope.#SchroederFire pic.twitter.com/6BKqHRNEff
— Dominik Dausch (@DomDTV) March 30, 2021
A couple quick shots of the #SchroederFire. (Jackson Boulevard in the foreground, with Canyon Lake Drive behind it.) I suspect this is in the vicinity of Camp Mni Luzahan, above Deadman Gulch. pic.twitter.com/8PrQr7V30O
— Dustin Floyd (@dustindfloyd) March 30, 2021
**UPDATE** The #SchroederFire west of Rapid City, SD, has burned approximately 800 acres forcing hundreds of people to evacuate. At least two homes have been destroyed in what's been a fast-moving wind driven fire. Evacuations remain in place overnight per @PennCoSheriff #sdwx pic.twitter.com/oTmy9fX6ah
— WeatherNation (@WeatherNation) March 30, 2021
Video and caption courtesy: Live Storms Media.
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