RCFD Responds to Afternoon Grass Fire
Fire is the second in the area in less than 24 hours.
Rapid City, S.D. - Rapid City Firefighters from
Stations 1, 4 and 7 responded to the area east of 21 E. Knollwood Drive just
after 2:30 pm this afternoon for a report of a grass fire. Before arriving, a
large, dark plume of smoke was clearly visible from most areas of Rapid City. The
large column prompted multiple calls to Pennington County 9-1-1.
When crews arrived they found an area that was approximately
one acre in size that was actively burning. The area is comprised of grass,
trees and a marshy area with a large amount of broadleaf cattails growing in
it. When burned, broadleaf cattail marshes tend to produce thick, dark smoke
and burn hot despite being in somewhat of a wetlands area. This was certainly
the case this afternoon.
Fire crews took advantage of favorable weather conditions,
adequate resources on scene, and fuel breaks to conduct a controlled burn out
operation. The burn out operation reduces hazardous fuels in the area and may
help reduce future problems later on. The burn out operation also helped to
improve the fire area aesthetically by “squaring up” the burn area. The area
should see a green-up effect in the spring as a result of the burn out
operation.
Once burn out operations ceased and the fire was contained
and mopped up, the burn area covered approximately three acres. As of 4:00 pm,
the fire was 100% contained.
The fire is believed to have been human caused and will
remain under investigation. The fire today occurred in the same area as another
fire at around 7:00 pm last night. The fire last night is also believed to have
been human caused.
Unseasonably warm and dry conditions are expected to persist
into the foreseeable future. The Rapid City Fire Department will take this
opportunity to remind the public to be cautious with sources of ignition. As
hunters and outdoor enthusiasts take to the field, be aware of where vehicles
with hot exhaust are parked. Avoid parking in tall, dry grass. Be mindful when
smoking materials are discarded.
No further updates related to this incident are anticipated
at this time. For questions or comment related to this release, please contact
Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department
at (605)-394-4180.
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