Crews Douse 500 Acre Grass Fire Near Badlands

Crews doused a brush fire near Badlands National Park Sunday after it charred an estimated 500 acres about five miles east of Scenic.

It started in the north ditch along Highway 44 and spread quickly to the northeast across private rangeland that's adjacent to Buffalo Gap National Grassland.

Firefighters say a cigarette tossed from a passing vehicle might have sparked it, but they aren't yet sure of a cause.

The fire spread quickly because of warm temperatures, high winds and dry grass.

 No one was injured and no buildings were destroyed.