One sign the fire season of 2007 might be over was the scene Friday in Custer, when a Black Hills National Forest employee, in pouring rain, changed the fire-danger sign from "High" to "Moderate."

"It was kind of humorous," Black Hills National Forest Supervisor Craig Bobzien said, 15 minutes after the downgrade.

It was also a relief.

"I believe we have turned the corner," Bobzien said.

There are still parts of the extreme southern Black Hills that are "still a concern," he said, but the risk of a major fire has been curbed by sustained precipitation.

Bobzien said the key was soaking the "big fuels" - the dead and downed trees that take a long time to soak up water and a long time to dry out.

"Those are the kinds of fuels that create sustained heat and sustained fire activity," Bobzien said.

Grasses, needles, leaves, brush and smaller branches may dry out enough to burn, but Bobzien said the shorter days and cooler nights make it less likely the big fuels can feed a major fire.

"We've released our extra crews and sent them to Montana," he said.

Parts of northern and central Montana remain dry, and tens of thousands of acres are on fire.

Contact Bill Harlan at 394-8424 or at bill.harlan@rapidcityjournal.com