Containment Jumps to 60% on ‘79 Fire’ as Crews Subdue 5,400-Acre Blaze

Northeast Radio SD News – Buffalo Gap, SD - Firefighters made significant strides Sunday in the battle against the 79 Fire, pushing containment to 60% by early evening. Improved mapping has also provided a more precise measurement of the fire’s footprint, now estimated at 5,408 acres.

The Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team reported that “vigorous” mop-up efforts throughout the day successfully kept the fire within its current perimeter. While the fire’s size was initially estimated at 6,000 acres Sunday morning, the evening update confirmed the smaller, more accurate acreage.

Rapid Growth on Saturday

The fire was first reported Saturday morning at 11:04 a.m. Driven by intense winds, the primarily grass-fed fire raced just over seven miles in its first few hours, moving from its origin near Highway 79 to 144th Avenue in eastern Custer County.

Despite the rapid initial spread, incident commanders Jay Wickham and John Haskvitz confirmed that no structures had been lost in the blaze.

Shift to Ground Operations

While air support played a vital role in slowing the fire’s progress on Saturday, all work on Sunday was conducted by ground crews using hand tools and firefighting equipment.

The focus remains on “mopping up”—a process of locating hidden heat sources.

Officials warned that because the vegetation and ground are extremely dry, heat can remain trapped beneath the surface. Crews will remain on the lines tonight to extinguish these hot spots and prevent any potential “escapes” or reignitions.

Weather and Safety Warnings

The danger is not over yet. A Red Flag Warning has been extended and remains in effect for the region through Monday at 9:00 p.m. MDT. These low-humidity conditions and potential wind gusts continue to pose a risk of new fire activity.

Public Safety Reminders:

·         Roads: While road closures have been lifted, the public is strongly requested to avoid the fire area to allow emergency personnel and equipment to work safely.

·         Residential: There are currently no evacuations in place.

·         Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains over the fire perimeter. Unauthorized aircraft, including drones, are strictly prohibited. “If you fly, we can’t,” officials reiterated.

Incident at a Glance

·         Size: 5,408 acres

·         Containment: 60%

·         Location: 3 miles north of Buffalo Gap, SD

·         Cause: Under Investigation