4-Square-Mile Crow Peak Fire Reaches 40 Percent Containment

SPEARFISH, S.D. (AP) — A wildfire that has been burning on Crow Peak west of Spearfish for more than a week is now at 40 percent containment.

The blaze sparked by lightning on June 24 has torched more than 2,700 acres, or about 4 square miles. No homes have been lost, though voluntary evacuation notices are still in effect.

Crow Peak is a key landmark in the Northern Black Hills and has a popular hiking trail. Officials say area businesses, campgrounds and recreation sites in the Northern Black Hills remain open for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, but Crow Peak is still closed.

Visitors are encouraged to check the websites of the Black Hills National Forest and the Spearfish Chamber of Commerce for additional event and conditions information.

More than 530 people are fighting the fire on the ground and from the air.

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