CUSTER, SD – Planning is underway to conduct a prescribed fire in Lithograph Canyon, an area east of the Jewel Cave Visitor Center. Timing for the prescribed fire will depend on preparedness levels, moisture, weather forecasts, and resource availability. This prescribed fire will most likely take place October 25.
Assisting with the prescribed fire will be National Park Service personnel with support from other interagency resources. Traffic control will be present along Highway 16 to direct traffic as fire personnel will be working along the roadside. During the day of the prescribed fire, smoke from the fire may be heavy at times along Highway 16 and into the town of Custer. Other impacts to park operations are expected but efforts will be made to minimize visitor impacts.
Prescribed fires are carefully conducted under identified and approved prescription parameters. Factors such as humidity, fuel moisture, wind speed and direction, and short- and long-range weather patterns are all considered in establishing the acceptable conditions for conducting a prescribed fire. If the prescribed parameters cannot be met on a specific day, the planned prescribed fire is postponed.
