40-ACRE FIRE AT HIGHWAY 94 & BORDER CHECKPOINT

September 4, 2009 – A fire on the south side of Highway 94 and the Border Patrol checkpoint at Sycamore Canyon has been contained at 40 acres, CAL-FIRE spokesperson Roxanne Provaznik reports. Full control of the Checkpoint Fire is projected for 5 p.m. today.

The fire began late this morning within an island of unburned fuels from the 2007 fires, Provaznik said. At least 13 engines, 3 helicopters, 4 air tankers, 2 water tenders, 2 bulldozers and 100 firefighters were dispatched to battle the blaze. Cal-Fire received assistance by the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fire & Wildlife, S.D. Sheriff’s Helicopters, SD City Helicopter, and U.S. Border Patrol.

Cause of the blaze remains under investigation.