Rural Rapid Valley Grass Fire

   The Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department responded to a report of a wildland fire in the 16,000 block of Longview Dr, Unincorporated Pennington County South Dakota on Sept. 6, 2024 at 2:02 p.m.

   Upon arrival firefighters observed a wind driven fire burning in cured grass and wheat stubble.

   The fire caused damage to ranching assets, and temporarily threatened the Rapid City Regional Airport. 

   Firefighters dealing with temperatures of 80+ degrees Fahrenheit and drought stressed vegetation, controlled the fire at  68 acres.

   Tim Kobes, Assistant Chief of the Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department, would like to remind travelers, residents and users of our grasslands to be extra cautious during dry conditions.

   “Everyone using, recreating, traveling or doing field work in our grasslands needs to be on guard and make an effort to not create any source of ignition” stated Kobes. 

   No injuries to firefighters, civilians or domestic animals were reported.

   Agencies responding included Pennington County 911, Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department, New Underwood Volunteer Fire Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department, Folsom Volunteer Fire Department, Ellsworth Airforce Base Fire Department, Black Hawk Volunteer Fire Department, North Haines Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City Fire Department, South Dakota Wildland Fire local ranchers and neighbors.

   The photo is courtesy of Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department.

No injuries to civilians or domestic animals were reported.