Update at 3:43 p.m.
CUSTER STATE PARK, S.D. (KELO) — South Dakota’s Governor’s office says a wildfire at Custer State Park is 100-percent contained.
The area saw rain, hail and even flooding Thursday afternoon.
The Governor’s office also says the Mine Draw Fire was significantly smaller than originally thought. The latest estimate from the state was just 60 acres. On Wednesday, fire officials had estimated it was 150 acres.
Unlike past fires, the Governor’s office was in charge of all communication. When our KELOLAND News reporter caught up with some firefighters at Custer State Park today, we were told we couldn’t shoot video in the area without the governor’s permission.
Published at 12:29 p.m.
The state of South Dakota provided an update on the Mine Draw Fire in Custer State Park early Thursday afternoon.
In a news release, the state said the fire is still active between Hwy 16A and Center Lake. The fire is estimated to be 60 acres and 25% contained.
On Wednesday night, the fire was estimated at 150 acres.
There are 117 firefighters on scene along with two Type 1 Helicopters and one airplane to fight the fire. A forecast of showers and thunderstorms are expected to move in the area at 5 p.m.
It started on Wednesday around 11:15 a.m. and the cause remains under investigation.
Custer State Park remains open but the Grace Coolidge Walk-In Fishing Area as well as Center Lake beach and lake access are closed for bucket usage for helicopters.
This is a developing story. Stay with KELOLAND News online and on-air for more information.
