SPEARFISH, S.D. – Firefighters have increased containment on the Lookout Fire near Spearfish to 29 percent, while the wildfire remains at approximately 444 acres.
Officials say fire activity decreased overnight, allowing crews to stop forward progress on the north side of the fire and focus on strengthening containment lines and securing hot spots around the perimeter.
Firefighters are continuing work near Interstate 90, where heat, smoke and smoldering areas remain close to the roadway, including around hay bales and other fuels near the highway.
Residents evacuated from the Lookout Mountain, Kerwin Road and Lookout Vista Road areas were allowed to return home Tuesday night. However, the area remains closed to non-residents, with checkpoints requiring proof of residency.
One northbound lane of Interstate 90 remains closed between mile markers 10 and 12 because of smoke and ongoing firefighting operations.
Officials say the fire was human-caused, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Fire crews are also keeping a close eye on weather conditions, including forecast wind gusts of up to 35 miles per hour later this week.
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