Fire burns over 5,000 east county acres

A rapidly-spreading fire on the eastern side of Custer County torched 5,408 acres last weekend before forward progress on the fire was stopped.
The 79 Fire three miles north of Buffalo Gap was reported around 11:35 a.m. on Saturday, April 11.
According to the South Dakota Department of Public Safety, it started just east of Hwy. 79 along East French Creek Road in eastern Custer County.
State, federal and local resources along with air support were on initial attack of the fire, which burned primarily grass.
By 6:30 p.m. the night the fire started it was announced firefighters had  stopped forward progress of the fire. It stretched an estimated six miles, from Hwy. 79 to 144th Avenue in eastern Custer County.  
No structures were lost in the fire. Area roads were temporarily closed, and the cause is listed as human-caused. Like the Qury Fire, the 79 Fire was strongly pushed by wind.
Two large air tankers, two single-engine airtankers and one Type 1 helicopter were used to stop progress of the fire.
Gov. Larry Rhoden has declared a state of emergency for areas affected by the 79 Fire.
“Keeping South Dakotans safe is my number one priority, and this emergency declaration will provide the resources firefighters need to get control of this fire,” Rhoden said. “I’m grateful for their dedication and bravery in keeping everyone safe.”
The emergency declaration allows fire suppression costs to be covered by the state fire suppression fund in accordance with SDCL 41-20A-8.
By Tuesday, the fire was 90 percent contained, and firefighters were mopping up around the fire perimeter and around values at risk. In the Lame Johnny Creek drainage there were still cottonwood trees putting up smoke within the burn site, fire officials said.
There were no injuries reported, and there were no structures lost.