Public Advisory- Rapid City Slash Pile Burning

Rapid City, SD - Slash pile burning will take place in the Springbrook Acres area of Rapid City. The piles are remnants of an extensive fuels reduction project conducted by the Rapid City Fire Department under the direction of Lt. Tim Weaver. The burning is being conducted by a private contractor. Ignitions are expected to last for a period of at least two days. The burning is being allowed as a result of the significant snowfall that occurred over the period of the last 48 hours. The snow cover is expected to persist into the foreseeable future.

Slash pile burn operations shall comply with Rapid City and Pennington County Air Quality Ordinances and the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s National Ambient Air Quality Standards. 

In a statement, Lt. Weaver said; “These piles are being burned as a continuation of the wildland fire hazardous fuel reduction project in the Springbrook Acres common area that has taken place over the past 2 years.” Weaver went on to say; “This hazardous fuel reduction project exemplifies the Rapid City Fire Department’s desire to create fire resilient landscapes with in the city limits in areas that are at risk for catastrophic wildfire behavior. This is part of our Survivable Space Initiative which helps landowners in Rapid City create fire adapted landscapes on their property.”

Smoke and flames will be visible clearly on Sheridan Lake Road from the area of the burning operation. Smoke may linger for several days after the piles burn down. The RCFD along with Springbrook Acres will continue to monitor the area in the days following the project. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report the burning piles.

Additonal burn permits have also been issued to the South Dakota National Guard 4/piles located on their property west of 44th St.

For more information on the prescribed burning, please contact Lt. Tim Weaver at (605)-394-5233.

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