Photo by Tyrone Red Blanket, South Dakota Wildland Fire Division
According to Rosebud Agency B.I.A. Superintendent, Joelynn Ashley, the Rosebud Agency Fire Management Dispatcher received a call on the West SF Fire on Saturday, June 18, 2022, around 1:30 pm, at which wind gusts were between 20-30+ mph. The West SF Fire was near the edge of the St. Francis Community, located on the Rosebud Sioux Tribal lands, threatening many structures, continuing northwest and northeast following the canyons and drainages mainly in timber and grass lands. As of June 20, 2022, no structures have been burned or affected by the West SF Fire.
As of June 20, 2022, the West SF was was 2,000 acres with 20% containment. A social media post from the B.I.A. updated on Monday evening mapped the fire at 3,045 acres and 30% contained.
The Rosebud Agency Wildfire Branch has added resources from Bear Mountain, E-691, E-661, E-Lightup, E-Spearfish, E-22, Fairburn, Colton, Cody UFD, Centennial, Interior, Blackhills Helitak, Grand Junction Smoke Jumpers, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe VFDs, Rosebud ADs, 1-Large Air Tanker, 1-Very Large Air Tanker, 2-Single Engine Airtanker, and additional resources from Blackhawk, Edgemont, Valentine, Cody and Tripp County.
To assist with the current fire resources, we ask the citizens to stay off and away from all trail roads in the vicinity of the fire. Less traffic will assist the fire resources to enter and leave safely.
Please note, health advisory due to the heavy smoke in and around the fire areas, those with asthma or other breathing conditions should seek medical attention if needed.
Road visibility will be limited. Please drive with lights on, slow down, and be aware of Fire and First Responders in the area.
The West SF Fire will continue through the week as the fire resources continue to actively fight the fire through containment and mop up.