The Galena Fire consumed 16,788 acres, mostly within the borders of Custer State Park. More than $2.1 million was spent fighting the fire, and about $4.4 million worth of timber burned. None of Custer State Park's buildings were damaged, no people were injured, and few animals were lost in the fire. Recovery efforts have been made to ensure that vegetation on the most severely burned portions of the fire area has successfully covered the soil surface.1988 The West on Fire

The severe drought of 1988 fueled massive forest fires throughout the western United States, including:

Custer State Park 16,788 acres

South Dakota 690,512 acres

Greater Yellowstone Area 1,100,000 acres

Nationwide, 1988 was a record year for fire.

IllustrationsRecovery progression following the fire 1988, 1995, 2005, 2030.

Marker is on U.S. 16.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources: