Black Hills Wildfires Threaten Mount Rushmore: What To Know

RAPID CITY, SD — Mount Rushmore, one of the most recognized and visited national monuments in the United States, remained closed to the public Tuesday as firefighters battled several wildfires burning through South Dakota’s Black Hills.

By Monday, at least three blazes were reported in the Black Hills, according to an Associated Press report. By Tuesday, two fires were still listed as active on the National Park Service website.

The fires prompted Mount Rushmore National Memorial to close Monday. The monument and surrounding lands remain closed until further notice

Is Mother Nature’s fiery wrath a credible threat to the monument? Here’s what we know about the South Dakota wildfires so far and what risk they pose to Mount Rushmore:

Where Are The Fires Located?

The largest fire started near Schroeder Road in the Nemo area, about 15 miles northwest of Rapid City. By Tuesday, the fire had burned through approximately 1,900 acres.

Two smaller wildfires near the town of Keystone, about 20 miles southwest of Rapid City, prompted the closure of Mount Rushmore and all roads leading to the landmark until at least Wednesday.

Among them was the 244 Fire, which had burned 117 acres by Tuesday afternoon, according to officials.

Is Mount Rushmore Actually In Danger?

While photos show the fire burning precariously close to the Mount Rushmore carvings, South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem said during a news conference Monday that the monument was not in danger.

“It looks as though it may be moving south, which is a good indication for us,” The New York Times quoted Noem during the event.

This isn’t the first time wildfires have threatened Mount Rushmore.

Last year, the Mine Draw Fire burned just six miles southwest of the monument. Three years earlier, the Legion Lake Fire — which started just a half-mile south of the Mine Draw Fire — burned through 54,000 acres in December 2017.

Despite its close history with wildfires, fire poses no threat to the famous rock carvings of Mount Rushmore. Most stones were formed in volcanic eruptions, meaning they previously reached their combustion point.

Are The Fires Under Control?

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Schroeder fire was reported as "zero percent contained,” according to the National Park Service.

Earlier Tuesday, the fire crossed into the Cleghorn Canyon and Nameless Cave neighborhoods in Rapid City. Flames also continued to burn through steep, unoccupied terrain inaccessible by roads, authorities said.

About 250 firefighters were battling the blaze on a windy afternoon as gusts ranged from around 50 mph to 72 mph, the Rapid City Journal reported. Authorities said additional aircraft were ordered to aid in firefighting efforts Tuesday while responders attempt to keep the fire north of Highway 44.

Meanwhile, the 244 Fire was at 30 percent containment by Tuesday afternoon. Authorities are still asking locals to avoid the area.

Has Anyone Been Hurt?

More than 400 people were evacuated from homes and businesses Monday, the Rapid City Journal reported. However, no injuries have been reported.

While the Mount Rushmore carvings remain unscathed, the fires did damage to some structures, including several outbuildings and at least one home.

Noem, who traveled to Rapid City to oversee the response, said the Schroeder Road fire started on private property. “There have been losses, and that is tragic,” she added.

Could The Situation Get Worse?

High winds remain the primary challenge faced by firefighters. Authorities said the Schroeder fire was “more demanding than anticipated” during the overnight hours, mainly due to wind and changing weather conditions.

By 3 p.m., Rapid City’s forecast showed winds at 22 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The area remains under a high-wind advisory until 8 p.m. Tuesday.

The National Weather Service also issued an alert early Tuesday warning local residents of the “extreme” fire hazard caused by the windy, dry conditions.

“A fire will start easily and has the potential to become large and spread quickly, becoming erratic with extreme behavioral characteristics,” the warning reads. “No outdoor burning should take place.”