STURGIS, S.D. (AP) -- A fire burning about halfway between Deadwood and Sturgis in the northern Black Hills has destroyed 775 acres, or slightly more than one square mile. Officials hope it can be fully contained by nightfall Tuesday.
About 150 people, including volunteer firefighters from across western South Dakota, responded to the fire, which broke out Sunday afternoon.
On Monday, fire crews worked to create a perimeter to keep flames from spreading. Officials said they were pleased with the progress.
''Currently the hand crew is holding it from going beyond the road, and also watching for any spot fire from down below,'' said fire crew boss John Niehaus.
He said National Guard helicopters that carry 600-gallon buckets flew in to help battle the blaze.
Cooler temperatures, higher humidity and light winds aided the firefighting effort.
The cause remains under investigation.
The first large wildfire of the year in the Black Hills this year, the Camp 5 Fire started on Black Hills Forest land. Some people left their homes voluntarily as a precaution.
Working the fire Monday were crews from the National Park Service, Forest Service, state, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and several volunteer fire departments.
Prison inmates also joined the fight.
The Corrections Department said 34 inmates and four staffers from the prison system's Rapid City Trusty Unit were called to the fire Sunday night and again Monday. All of the inmates are trained and certified in fighting wild fires.
The fire is in Boulder Canyon, south of Highway 14A.
