Legion Lake Fire in the Black Hills of South Dakota Now Third-Largest in Black Hills History

The Legion Lake Fire started Monday in Custer State Park, SD has now burned 35,000 acres and is the third largest fire in Black Hills history.

By Tuesday afternoon the fire had burned approximately 4,000 acres and was only 7 percent contained.
Strong winds cause blaze to grow 31,000 acres overnight to 35,000 acres or more than 54 square miles.

Winds across the area Wednesday were expected to be 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph decreasing to 10-20 mph Wednesday night.  Thursday wind speeds are expected to increase again to 15 to 30 mph with gust to 40 mph.

The fire remains at 7 percent contained and no significant structures have been destroyed, but several outbuildings and fences were burned.

Evacuations are in place as this fire is expected to grow rapidly south and east of Custer State Park.

Meteorologist Mike Morrison