GRIZZLY GULCH FIRE UPDATE
Wednesday, July 3, 2002
10:00 p.m. (MDT)

For Immediate Release
For More information:  605-578-3143 or 605-578-1368
On the web:  http://www.state.sd.us and click on “Grizzly Gulch Fire” for Fire News or click on State News Web for both fire and other news.

Fire Size: 9,800 acres
Location: South of Deadwood and Lead, South Dakota
Percent Contained: 50%
Expected Containment Date: 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2002

Current Situation:  The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday issued a mandatory evacuation order affecting all residences west of the Shonley subdivision on U.S. Highway 14A to the junction of U.S. Highway 85, due to increased fire activity in the area.  The Shonley subdivision is not included in the mandatory evacuation.

Later Wednesday evening, Lead city officials announced that as of 6 a.m. Thursday, July 4, the evacuation order in place in Lead since Sunday would be lifted.  Residents of the Mile High area should call Lead City Hall (584-1401) for information about when that area will be opened up.  City officials also announced water use restrictions would be lifted.

The fire Thursday is expected to continue to spread on the east and northeast flanks.  Portions of the south flank are expected to continue to be difficult to contain.

The plan for Thursday calls for continued line construction on the northeast flank near Pillar Peak, the east flank adjacent to the community of Galena and the south flank where containment continues to be difficult.  Firefighters will also secure and mop-up constructed line while continuing to provide structure protection.  The Red Flag Warning in effect Wednesday has been downgraded to a Red Flag Watch for Thursday.

Personnel:  Currently 743.  Resources include:  three Type One crews, 15 Type Two crews, 65 engines, two helicopters, 10 dozers and 11 water tenders.

Road Closures:
· US Highway 14A from Shonley’s to the intersection of US Highway 14A and US Highway 85 in Deadwood.
· Camp Five Road and Two Bit Road off of Highway 14A.
· Highway 385 is closed from the Highway 85 junction to the Brownsville Road junction.
· Kirk Road is closed entirely.
· Yellow Creek Road remains closed entirely.
· Vanocker Canyon Road is closed from Sturgis to Nemo Road.
· Runkle Road is closed at the Vanocker Road Junction. 
· The Brownsville Road from Englewood on the west, to Highway 385 is open to residents only.

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