UPDATED STORY: https://rapidcitypost.com/firefighters-halt-forward-progress-of-bear-butte-fire-outside-sturgis/

3:09pm – Bear Butte Fire is reported to be closer to the Iron Horse Campground.

3:05pm update – Fire estimated at 150 acres.

3:04pm update – Fire has burned onto BLM land as well as state land. The large water tanker Airtec has been sent back.

2:59pm update – Forward progress has been stopped. Helicopter crews are working to mop up hot spots.

2:26pm update – Black Hills Fire is taking command over Bear Butte Fire and is preparing for evacuations. The wind is pushing the fire Northwest.Helicopters are headed to help fire fighting efforts.Initial reports that the fire was human caused.

2:21pm update – Fire officially named ‘Bear Butte Fire.’ The fire is 0% contained.

2:14pm update – Units are being alerted to possible structure protection on Bear Butte Rd. The Fire is at Bear Butte Road.

2:01pm update – Fire is half mile away from Bear Butte Lake road.

STURGIS, S.D. – Multiple emergency agencies are responding to a significant grass fire along Highway 79 near the Pappy Hoel Campground, according to the Meade County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities issued an alert Monday, Aug. 10, asking travelers and residents to avoid the immediate area so fire crews can work safely.

“We are dealing with a significant grass fire on Hwy 79,” the Meade County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “Multiple agencies are responding to the area. We are asking folks to avoid the area, Near the Pappy Hoel Campground.”

Law enforcement officials urged motorists passing through the region between Sturgis and Rapid City to clear the roadway for incoming emergency apparatus.

“Please give the emergency vehicles room to operate,” the sheriff’s office said, adding that more updates will be released as additional information becomes available.