Fire crews burn piles across the Black Hills National Forest

Forest Managers are working to reduce hazardous fuels across the Black Hills National Forest. Districts across the Black Hills National Forest are focusing efforts on burning thousands of hand and machine slash piles. Piles are created from timber sale slash and tree thinning operations.

“It is very important to reduce fire and insect hazards by reducing fuel buildup,” said Jason Virtue, Black Hills National Forest Fire Management Officer.

Smoke will be visible and may impact local communities across the Black Hills for the next several months. Smoldering material may continue to burn days after burning operations are completed. Crews will continue to burn as conditions permit, and burn plan is met. Firefighters continually monitor and check the piles for several days after they have been lit.

“We appreciate the support from the communities,” said Virtue. “Being able to reduce these fuels this time of year makes fire suppression operations safer during the summer months.”

Burning operations will continue throughout the winter as conditions permit.