RAPID CITY, SD (KOTA) – The Bennet Fire, reported on August 16, continues to rage in the Black Hills National Forest and has already reached 330 acres.
The fire is located about 8 miles southwest of Dewey in Fall River County.
The fire broke out on August 15 from a lightning strike and spread quickly due to the dry climate and steep terrain in Bennett Canyon.
Fire crews are working to contain the fire west of Route 319, east of Route 380, and southeast of Bennett Canyon Road, but as of 5:00 p.m. August 16, the fire was not yet contained.
The firefighting team has made progress in fighting the fire and extinguished a fire near the affected areas. About 200 firefighters were on site and will continue to work throughout the night.
Members of the local community have come together to help fight the fire.
“(We have) members of the local community who have come out. They used to be firefighters and have come out and helped. It’s a big thank you to all of these resources that have come together to do this,” said Krista Lanreneau, fire department spokesperson.
A firefighter said fires of this magnitude only occur every 10 years, and if the fire spreads, it would only occur once every 30 years.
Click here for more information on the Bennett Fire.
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