Fire crews from multiple agencies responded Tuesday morning to a wildfire burning northeast of the Black Hills Playhouse in Custer State Park. The blaze, dubbed the Playhouse Fire, was first reported as smoke at 10:40 a.m. and quickly drew resources from the Forest Service, Hot Shot and Black Hat crews, state engines, and a bulldozer.
By late afternoon, officials reported the fire was contained at just under three acres.
Authorities said the fire was located just north of Playhouse Road, outside the park boundary near the Spokane Cabins. As a precaution, Playhouse Road was closed between Iron Mountain Road and Needles Highway while suppression efforts continued.
The firefight came as southern South Dakota and parts of northwestern Nebraska were under a high wind warning. Gusts up to 25 miles per hour were possible Tuesday evening, though winds were expected to ease to around 8 miles per hour later in the night.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. A fire investigator was dispatched to the scene Tuesday afternoon.
No injuries or structural damage have been reported. Officials urged residents and visitors to remain cautious, as dry conditions and strong winds continue to elevate fire danger across the region.
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