RCFD Crews Gain Quick Knockdown on Grass Fire

Rapid City, S.D. - Rapid City Firefighters were called to an early-afternoon grass fire today near 15 E. North St. At 12:25 pm, crews from stations 1 and 7 responded to the report of a grass fire burning between the railroad tracks and mobile homes on E. Watertown Street. When crews arrived 5 minutes later, they found a fire burning on a slope above the tracks and below the homes.

The Rapid City Fire Department has responded to a number of fires in this area over the past several years. With that in mind, crews took advantage of favorable weather, resources on scene and capitalized on the opportunity to reduce hazardous fuels in the area. With solid containment lines in place, crews conducted a burnout operation on hazard fuels inside of the containment lines. This fuels reduction project also helps to minimize threats to neighboring residences in the future from grass fires similar to todays.  

The fire and subsequent fuels reduction project burned less than 1/4 acre. The fire was determined to have been human caused. The Rapid City Police Department was on scene speaking with neighbors. There were no injuries reported.

As the continued unseasonably warm and dry weather continues, so does the increased fire danger. The Rapid City Fire Department reminds everyone to be careful with heat sources and sources of ignition. Those outdoor enthusiasts who are driving and parking their vehicles should be mindful of where their vehicles are parked and refrain from parking in tall, dry vegetation. Sportsman are encouraged to keep a fire extinguisher in their vehicle, carry a shovel, exercise caution and pay close attention as they go about their outdoor pursuits. 

Please contact Lt, Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at (605)-394-4180 for questions related to this release.

Above: Crews perform a burnout operation between the fire and mobile homes on E. Watertown to minimize future grass fire threats.

Above: Firefighters build containment line to stop fire spread near homes on E. Watertown St.

Above: A firefighter uses a hose to spray water to keep a tree from igniting.

Above: Rapid City Firefighters perform a burnout operation to reduce hazard fuels.

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