Fire weather still a threat in South Dakota

The grassland fire danger index will reach the very high category in much of South Dakota both Tuesday and Wednesday in a state where Republicans don't believe humans are responsible for desertifying the planet but push watersheds to the brink anyway.

The Bureau of Land Management plans to conduct prescribed burns this fall in the Fort Meade Recreation Area near Sturgis, the Exemption Area near Englewood, and south of Jewel Cave in Schenk Canyon, weather and conditions permitting. No burning will occur before Oct. 1. All prescribed fire projects follow detailed burn plans that set weather, fuel, and safety requirements. Fire personnel will only begin operations when conditions meet established standards. The BLM will coordinate with local authorities before starting any burns. Smoke may be visible during and after the burns, and crews will remain on site to monitor conditions for several days. Prescribed fire helps reduce hazardous fuels, improve wildfire preparedness, restore pine–savanna habitat, support biodiversity, and promote ecosystem health. [press release]