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Wildfire In Wind Cave National Park Now 80 Percent Contained

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — A wildfire in Wind Cave National Park remains at 10 square miles but is now 80 percent contained.

Authorities say the Cold Brook Fire has scorched 6,500 acres in the southwestern South Dakota park. That’s about 20 percent of the park’s surface area.

About 80 people have been working on the scene to contain the blaze, and they expect to have it fully contained Friday. Park Chief Interpreter Tom Farrell says cooler temperatures and higher humidity helped crews control the fire Wednesday.

The blaze began Monday afternoon when a prescribed burn grew out of control in high winds. There have been no injuries or damages to structures.

Park facilities remain open, though backcountry and hiking trails are closed, along with a couple of roads.