Cottonwood Fire Evening Update, 10-18-2016

Wall, S.D. - The Cottonwood Fire, which started on October 16th, is officially 100% contained as of 8:00 pm MDT this evening. The Pennington County Type 3 Incident Management Team (PCIMT3), which took over management of the fire at about 6 pm Sunday evening, has therefore turned management of the incident over to local resources. That transition took place at 8:00 pm MDT. The fire is now under the management of the Wall, Interior, Philip, and Kadoka Fire Departments, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, and Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

Today, firefighters were able to complete containment lines, strengthen existing containment lines, and complete mop-up operations around structures in the fire area. Firefighters were also able to complete damage assessments and evaluation of structures burned in the fire. 

Another emphasis for the crews today was to complete GPS mapping of the perimeter of the fire. As a result, the total acreage for the Cottonwood Fire stands at 41,360 acres. The fire did not experience any growth in the past 36 hours. This number simply represents more accurate mapping of the fire perimeter.

Livestock losses reported to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office stand at 137 as no additional losses were reported to the team.

It is of great importance to the PCIMT3 to note that the quick and noble actions of initial attack crews should be commended. In many cases, firefighters responding to the initial fire fronts put themselves at risk of great personal harm. It is also important to this team that we mention that nearly 300 firefighters from 10 Western and Central South Dakota Counties, most of them volunteers, descended on the Cottonwood Fire in short order. These actions undoubtedly stopped the Cottonwood Fire from becoming an even larger and more devastating disaster.

The PCIMT wishes to extend its profound thanks to a number of cooperating agencies for their assistance. Pennington County Search and Rescue, the American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota, Eagles Nest Life Center of Wanblee, SD all had critical roles in assisting those fighting and managing the fire.

This release represents the end of releases related to the Cottonwood Fire by the PCIMT3. For clarification or comment related to this release, please contact Incident Information Officer Jim Bussell at (605)-863-0606. For requests for information subsequent to this release, please contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at (605)-837-2285.

To the residents of Pennington and Jackson Counties affected by this fire:
It is always the goal of our team to manage incidents in the most efficient and prudent manner possible and, by doing so, bring these difficult incidents to a quick conclusion. We do this so that the recovery process can begin and so that those affected can start to heal, as difficult as it may be. Members of this team are friends and neighbors to the residents of Eastern Pennington and Jackson Counties. Although our part of managing the incident is over, you will remain in our collective thoughts as your communities work to recover from the Cottonwood Fire. If history has taught us anything though, it is that the tough and determined spirit of the Western South Dakota rancher is a force of nature to be reckoned with unto itself. God bless.

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Cottonwood Fire Morning Update, 10-18-2016

Wall, S.D. - The Cottonwood fire erupted on Sunday October 16 and moved quickly across private and federal grassland pushed by high winds. The area was under a Red Flag Warning for high winds, low relative humidity, and high temperatures at the time the fire started. At around 6 pm Sunday evening, command of the fire was transferred to the Pennington County Type 3 Incident Management Team (PCIMT3). The fire is under unified command. Brian Daunt of the Buffalo Gap National Grassland, Wall Fire Chief John Kitterman, and Jackson County Emergency Manager Josh Nisen are Incident Commanders of the Cottonwood Fire.

As of 10:00 am MDT this morning, the fire remains at an estimated 31,000 acres. A portion of the fire perimeter was GPS mapped yesterday. That operation continues this morning. GPS mapping of the fire perimeter may result in a change in acreage. 

The red lines on this map represent fire perimeter that was GPS mapped. The blue line represents estimated fire perimeter that will be GPS mapped today.

The fire is currently 75% contained. The PCIMT3 anticipates 100% containment of the Cottonwood Fire by the end of the shift today at 6:00 pm MDT. Crews will be working throughout the day to increase containment lines and reinforce existing containment lines.

During yesterday's day shift, firefighters were able to assess damaged and destroyed structured within the fire perimeter. During this evaluation, it was determined that no primary residences- homes that are the main dwelling for an individual or family- were destroyed in the fire. An exact number of cabins, outbuildings, and other structures destroyed will continue to be determined today. Several structures remain threatened. The completion of mop-up operations around those structures will be an emphasis of firefighters today.

The Jackson County Sheriffs Office received confirmed reports of 137 cattle killed by the Cottonwood Fire. Several area ranchers report that they have additional animals injured as a result of the fire that will require evaluation by a veterinarian. Additional livestock losses are possible as a result and the number of livestock killed may rise over the coming days and weeks.

There are no road closures in effect. Additionally, the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site opened for regular business this morning. There will continue to be emergency vehicle traffic in the area and motorists are advised to be alert and use caution.

The PCIMT3 is working to bring the Cottonwood Fire to a close. There are approximately 75 personnel on the fire today, down from 100 yesterday. PCIMT3 members will be working with local government agencies and local fire chiefs to determine a plan for transition from PCIMT3 management of the incident back to local management of the fire. 

The next update for the Cottonwood Fire is scheduled for 8:00 pm MDT. The 8:00 pm update is the final anticipated update on the Cottonwood Fire from the PCIMT3.

Media members seeking comment or clarification related to this release should contact Incident Information Officer Jim Bussell at (605)-863-0061.

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10-17-2016 Night Update

Wall, S.D. - Crews made excellent progress during the day securing fireline and increasing containment. As of 8:00 pm the Pennington County Type 3 Incident Management Team can provide the following update:

-The fire area has been the beneficiary of precipitation during the late afternoon and early evening. In addition to the precipitation, increased relative humidity, and low temperatures in the high 30's to low 40's will help firefighters efforts. 

-Because of forecast high winds, a handful of engines will remain on the fire overnight to monitor the fire and ensure that potential flare-ups are addressed immediately.

-Crews were able to assess damaged and destroyed structures inside the perimeter of the fire. It was determined that no primary residences- homes that are the main dwelling for an individual or family- were destroyed by the fire. An exact number of cabins, outbuildings and other structures destroyed will continue to be determined tomorrow.

-The count of livestock reported killed to the Jackson County Sheriff's Office remains at 137. That number may increase throughout the coming days and even weeks.

-There are no additional releases anticipated this evening. The next scheduled update will be a media press conference at 8:00 am Tuesday morning. Briefing will take place at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site located at I-90 Exit 131.

For questions or clarification related to this release, please contact Incident Information Officer Jim Bussell at (605)-863-0061.

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Cottonwood Fire Evening Update, 10-17-2016

Wall, S.D. - Just before 1 pm yesterday, October 16, a wildland fire was reported 11 miles east of Wall, SD. The area was under a Red Flag Warning at the time for low relative humidity, high winds and high temps. Under these conditions, the fire spread quickly.

This release represents the most accurate information as of 4:00 pm MDT.

The fire is currently being managed by the Pennington County Type 3 Incident Management Team (PCIMT3) and is under Unified Command. Brian Daunt of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands is in command for the October 17 day shift. Additionally, Wall, S.D. Fire Chief John Kitterman, Jackson County Emergency Manager Joshua Nisen, and Rob Lehmann of the Pennington County Incident Management Team are also commanding the incident. The PCIMT3 took over management of the fire around 6 pm MDT last evening.

The fire is called the Cottonwood Fire. The fire is currently located 11 miles east of Wall, SD to 10 miles south east of Cottonwood, SD and north of I-90. 

Due to better mapping and the ability to evaluate the fire perimeter in the daylight, the Cottonwood Fire is estimated to be 31,000 acres. GPS mapping of the perimeter of the fire is underway. due to the fire size and terrain influences, a time-frame to complete that mapping is unknown.

The fire is 75% contained as of 4:00 pm today.

Today, firefighters have been able to secure containment lines that were in place at the beginning of today's shift. Firefighters have been working hard around structures that were successfully protected from yesterday's fire fronts to mop-up hot spots and locate areas of heat.

Fire crews are still working as of 4:00 pm to determine the number of structures destroyed.

In addition to structures destroyed, livestock losses have been reported. As of 4:00 pm, 137 head of cattle have been reported killed to the Jackson County Sheriffs Office. This number may increase over the coming days.

In addition to structures burned, power lines were damaged during the fire. As of 4:00 pm MDT, West River Electric Association and West Central Electric Cooperatives report no residential outages in the area. These rural electric cooperatives should be applauded for their quick and efficient work in restoring power to their customers and for their professional assistance to firefighters. One bridge was destroyed by the fire. There are currently no road closures in the fire area. Motorists in the fire area are encouraged to use caution.

The fire is burning on private land as well as the Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

There are no road closures in effect at this time and I-90 currently has no restrictions in the fire area. Smoke should no longer pose a risk to motorists. The fire area will be clearly visible to travelers on I-90. Drivers are asked to remain alert and do not be distracted by the fire. Additionally, there is a high volume of emergency vehicle traffic between Kadoka and Wall on I-90. Travelers in this area should remain alert for the increased traffic.

There are currently nearly 100 personnel working on the fire. At its peak, close to 300 firefighters were fighting the fire. Firefighters from 10 Western South Dakota counties came to assist. Pennington, Lawrence, Meade, Custer, Haakon, Jackson, Jones, Mellette, Bennett, and Stanley Counties sent resources. The majority of these firefighters were area volunteers. This highlights the “neighbor helping neighbor” mentality of South Dakotans. It also showcases interagency cooperation between Federal, State and Local resources. Resources are being ordered for overnight operations.

The American Red Cross, serving Central and Western South Dakota, has been on scene since late Sunday afternoon providing rehabilitation for firefighters. They are prepared to transition into a disaster relief and recovery role.  

A fire investigator arrived today and was able to confirm that the fire is human caused. The investigation is ongoing.

Additional written updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The next scheduled written update is set for 10:00 am MDT on Tuesday morning. Periodic updates can be found by following the PCIMT3 Twitter feed, @PennCoIMT3. A media briefing will take place at 8:00 am Tuesday morning at the Incident Command Post at the Minuteman Missile National Historic Site at I-90 Exit 131.

Media outlets seeking comment or clarification can contact Incident Information Officer Jim Bussell at (605)-863-0061.

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Cottonwood Fire Morning Update, 10-17-2016

Wall, S.D.- Just before 1 pm yesterday, October 16, a wildland fire was reported 11 miles east of Wall, SD. The area was under a Red Flag Warning at the time for low relative humidity, high winds and high temps. Under these conditions, the fire spread quickly.

This release represents the most accurate information as of 9:00 am MDT.

The fire is currently being managed by the Pennington County Type 3 Incident Management Team (PCIMT3) and is under Unified Command. Brian Daunt of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands is in command for the October 17 day shift. Additionally, Wall, S.D. Fire Chief John Kitterman, Jackson County Emergency Manager Joshua Nisen, and Rob Lehmann of the Pennington County Incident Management Team are also commanding the incident. The PCIMT3 took over management of the fire around 6 pm MDT last evening.

The fire is called the Cottonwood Fire. The fire is currently located 11 miles east of Wall, SD to 10 miles south east of Cottonwood, SD and north of I-90. 

The fire is currently between 5,000 and 6,000 acres. This mapping was done by aircraft at 6:00 pm last evening. More mapping will take place today and will very likely change the original acreage estimate. 

The fire is currently 50% contained.

As of this morning, we can confirm that structures have been destroyed. As of 8:30 pm last evening, it became unclear whether any primary residences are among those structures destroyed. There are a number of structures still threatened. Today we will focus on verifying losses. Additionally, we will work to verify whether livestock losses have occurred as a result of this fire.

In addition to structures being lost, power lines were damaged during the fire. A power outage has occurred in the area. Rural Electric Cooperatives are working to resolve the issue. It is not known as of this time whether any outages remain. The PCIMT3 has received two separate reports of bridges impacted by the fire. Motorists in the area are encouraged to utilize caution although no hard road closures are in effect.

The fire is burning on private land as well as the Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

There are no road closures in effect at this time and I-90 currently has no restrictions in the fire area. Motorists on I-90 are asked to use caution as visibility from smoke may cause intermittent decreases in visibility. The fire area will be clearly visible to travelers on I-90. Drivers are asked to remain alert and do not be distracted by the fire.

Additionally, there is a high volume of emergency vehicle traffic between Kadoka and Wall on I-90. Travelers in this area should remain alert for the increased traffic.

There are currently nearly 100 personnel working on the fire. At its peak, close to 300 firefighters were fighting the fire. Firefighters from 10 Western South Dakota counties came to assist. Pennington, Lawrence, Meade, Custer, Haakon, Jackson, Jones, Mellette, Bennett, and Stanley Counties sent resources. The majority of these firefighters were area volunteers. This highlights the “neighbor helping neighbor” mentality of South Dakotans. It also showcases interagency cooperation between Federal, State and Local resources.

The focus for today’s operational period will focus on continued improvement of containment lines. Firefighters will also work to increase containment. Structures remain threatened. Firefighters will work to continue to defend those buildings and mop-up around structures that were successfully protected. The Incident Management Team will work with local emergency management to assess the number and type of structures damaged or destroyed. Emergency management and PCIMT3 members will also work to confirm livestock losses, damage to infrastructure and improvements. The American Red Cross, serving Central and Western South Dakota, has been on scene all night providing rehabilitation for firefighters. They are prepared to transition into a disaster relief and recovery role.  

The point of origin has been located and the fire has been determined to have been human caused. An investigator has been requested and the fire will remain under investigation.

An additional written update will be released at 4:00 pm MDT. Periodic updates can be found by following the PCIMT3 Twitter feed, @PennCoIMT3.

Media outlets seeking comment or clarification can contact Incident Information Officer Jim Bussell at (605)-863-0061.

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Cottonwood Fire Update

Wall, S.D. - Just before 1 pm today, October 16, a wildland fire was reported 11 miles east of Wall, SD. The area was under a Red Flag Warning at the time for low relative humidity, high winds and high temps. Under these conditions, the fire spread quickly.

This release represents the most accurate information as of 8:30 pm MDT. Additional releases are not anticipated this evening unless conditions warrant. A media briefing will take place at 7 am MDT at the Incident Command Post located at the Minuteman Missile Visitor Center just north of I-90 at Exit 131.

The fire is currently being managed by the Pennington County Type 3 Incident Management Team (PCIMT3) and is under Unified Command. Brian Daunt of the Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, Wall, S.D. Fire Chief John Kitterman, Jackson County Emergency Manager Joshua Nisen, and Rob Lehmann of the Pennington County Incident Management Team are commanding the incident. The PCIMT3 took over management of the fire around 6 pm MDT.

The fire is called the Cottonwood Fire. The fire is currently located 11 miles east of Wall, SD to 10 miles south east of Cottonwood, SD and north of I-90. 

The fire is currently between 5,000 and 6,000 acres. This mapping was done by aircraft at 6:00 pm. More accurate mapping will take place tomorrow and may result in changes in acreage. 

The fire is currently 0% contained.

As of 8:30 pm, we can confirm that structures have been lost. As of 8:30 pm, it is unknown whether any primary residences are among those structures lost. There are a number of structures still threatened.

In addition to structures being lost, power lines were damaged during the fire. A power outage has occurred in the area. Rural Electric Cooperatives are working to resolve the issue.

The PCIMT3 is aware that a vehicle crash occurred during the fire in the area of mile marker 125. The extent of injuries is unknown to the team at this time.

The fire is burning on private and Federal land.

There are no road closures in effect at this time. Motorists on I-90 are asked to use caution as visibility from smoke may cause intermittent decreases in visibility. The fire will be clearly visible overnight to travelers on I-90. Drivers are asked to remain alert and do not be distracted by the fire. Additionally, there is a high volume of emergency vehicle traffic between Kadoka and Wall on I-90. Travelers in this area should remain alert for the increased traffic.

Close to 300 firefighters are working on this fire. Firefighters from Pennington, Lawrence, Meade, Custer, Haakon, Jackson, Jones, Mellette, Bennett, and Stanley Counties are on scene.

Suppression activities will continue throughout the night.  

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The next media briefing will occur at 7 am. The next update will not occur until that time unless significant activity occurs.

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Welcome to the new blog page for the Pennington County Type 3 Incident Management Team (IMT). This page will be maintained and updated by the cadre of Public Information Officers (PIO) for the team.

The purpose of this page is to disseminate information to local media and the general public related to activities of the IMT. This page may be used to disseminate training information, news, or incident information.

The Pennington County Type 3 IMT is comprised of responders from multiple City, County, and State agencies in Pennington County. Our job is to manage major and/or complex incidents that require a significant number of local and/or state resources. We manage incidents that extend into multiple operational periods and require a written Incident Action Plan.