Crews Hold the Line on 6,000-Acre ‘79 Fire’ North of Buffalo Gap; Containment Reaches 40%
- Steve Jurrens
- Apr 12
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Buffalo Gap, SD - Firefighters successfully held the perimeter of the 79 Fire overnight, maintaining 40% containment on the 6,000-acre blaze burning in eastern Custer County.
According to the Type 3 Interagency Incident Management team, fire activity has lessened significantly since the initial outbreak. However, officials warn that despite the lack of growth, a Red Flag Warning remains in effect for the area through 9:00 p.m. MDT tonight.
Current Status and Operations
As of Sunday morning, the fire footprint extends approximately six miles, stretching from Highway 79 to 144th Avenue. While the fire lines held steady through the night, crews are facing challenging conditions today.
State, federal, and local resources are focused on “mopping up” along the perimeter. This process involves locating and extinguishing “subsurface heat”—pockets of fire burning underground due to an extreme lack of moisture in the vegetation and soil.
“The objective today is to keep the fire in its current footprint, thereby lessening the threat to the line,” incident commanders Jay Wickham and John Haskvitz stated in a morning update.
Weather Concerns
Weather remains a critical factor in the suppression efforts. Forecasters are calling for:
· Temperatures: Mid-to-upper 70s.
· Humidity: Very low levels.
· Wind: Moderate breezes with potential gusts between 30 and 35 mph.
Public Impact and Safety
In a positive development for residents, officials confirmed that no structures have been lost and that there are currently no evacuations in place.
While road closures in the immediate area have been lifted, the public is strongly urged to avoid the vicinity to allow personnel and heavy equipment to operate safely.
Additionally, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect over the fire’s perimeter. This includes a strict ban on unauthorized drones; fire officials reminded the public: “If you fly, we can’t.”
Incident Summary
· Location: 3 miles north of Buffalo Gap, SD
· Size: 6,000 acres
· Containment: 40%
· Cause: Under Investigation
