Most of the western US is suffering from extreme drought this summer. Just travelling around South Dakota, I can feel the heat and dryness in the air.

All the parks have a campfire ban in effect, and the Forest Service is monitoring campers closely.

Smokey Bear keeping watch at the entrance of Custer State Park

Last night, a thunderstorm passed over Custer State Park. The next morning rangers were evacuating campers from the French Creek area where I was staying. Apparently several small fires had broken out due to lightning strikes.

http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/small-fire-burns-in-custer-state-park/article_fc14eb1a-511d-51ed-929d-ea66563352cb.html

It looks like these small fires will be contained, but with the current drought and heavy winds, it sure is scary how fast a fire can spread.

Brief aside: speaking of scary, I found this poster online while researching wildfires in the area. How bizarre/racist is this WWII propaganda poster? I prefer good ol’ Smokey…

WWII propaganda meets forest fire propaganda
Source: K.J. Historical

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