Things You May, or May-Not, Have Missed

Rapid City, S.D. - Over the last two weeks, we decided to take a little social media break.  Here's some of what you may (or may not) have missed.

-With the help of the City Council, we presented Jim McLendon and Gene Wittkowske with Civilian Lifesaving Citations. As you may have heard, the pair rescued Patricia Maki during a November 9, 2018 fire on Cherry Avenue. Ms. Maki was on hand to present the pair with their citations.

-Through donations and some fundraising, Firefighter/Medic Jamil Abourezk was able to purchase just under 200 toys for children in the Rapid City area. All of the toys were wrapped by Jamil and several Rapid City Firefighters and their families. Since he's assigned to Station 3, Abourezk distributed all of the toys to children in the Station 3 area. This included the Seventh Day Adventist School and the Churchill Apartments.

-We had the opportunity to present to 7th Graders at South Middle School about PulsePoint. We were invided in to present to two classes that just completed CPR training. In addition to learning about the PulsePoint Respond app, students learned how to use the companion app, PulsePoint AED. In fact, South Middle School has two public access AED's that were not previously registered on the app. The students had the opportunity to add these important devices so that others in the community will know where to find them.

-Staff at Main Street Square just recently completed CPR and First Aid certification. They invited us in to share the PulsePoint Respond and PulsePoint AED apps with them. Two previously unregistered public access AED's are now registered and their staff now has both apps downloaded to help bring an extra layer of safety to visitors to the Square.

-The Rapid City Fire Department was again proud to be an Angel Tree location. This year, our tree was adorned with 30 tags. We are proud to report that all 30 tags were taken and toys for each tag were returned.

-On Tuesday December 18, a fire broke out in the 1500 block of Concourse Drive. During mop-up and overhaul operations, we were paid a visit by London and Zoey. The girls live with their family just down the road for the fire. They were most grateful for the work of our firefighters so they stopped by with delicious donuts as a way to say "thank-you". We really appreciate the generosity and thank these two young ladies for thinking of us. In the spirit of giving, we also offered to share our donuts with our friends at the Rapid City Police Department who were on scene assisting us.

-Also on Tuesday, we responded to a vehicle fire in the 500 block of East North Street near the gas pumps at the Maverick gas station. No one was injured and there was no damage to the nearby gas pumps or a nearby building. Truck 1 had the fire knocked down quickly upon arrival.

-Last Thursday, members of the RCFD joined our friends from the Rapid City Police Department and Ellsworth Air Force Base to deliver Christmas cheer to Canyon Lake Elementary students. Every year, Don and Linda Rydstrom bring presents to each child at the school. Rapid City Firefighters were proud to be elves for Santa and the Rydstroms and share in the laughter and smiles that the day always brings.

-For three days last week, Lt. Neill Goodart conducted ventilation training for all of our on-duty crews. Controlling the flow path (the movement of heat and smoke from higher pressure areas toward lower pressure areas) is very important. Through classroom presentations and then a hands-on demonstration at Station 2, crews will be better able to understand what is needed to control the flow path.

-Rapid City Firefighters that organized the No Shave November activities presented a check for $1,182 to Feeding South Dakota for the Backpack Program. The backpack program provides less fortunate children with easy to prepare foods during the weekends and holidays during the school year. Each week during the school year, around 1,800 children are given food at 34 different schools in the Black Hills. Our thanks to all that donated and helped us support this amazing program.

RCFD Responds to Fire on East Kansas City Street

Fire is the second structure fire in 12 hours for RCFD

Rapid City, S.D. - For the second time in 12 hours, the Rapid City Fire Department doused a structure fire in Rapid City. At 6:27 pm, firefighters from Stations 1, 4 and 7 responded to a report of smoke coming from a structure at 12 E. Kansas City Street. When crews arrived on scene three minutes later, they found light smoke coming from a single family dwelling.

When firefighters made access inside the structure they found a fire in the kitchen that had extended into nearby cabinetry and into the ceiling and attic. It took firefighters about 15 minutes to stop the forward progress of the fire. Because of the extension into the ceiling, firefighters completed an extensive overhaul operation to ensure that all hidden fire was located and extinguished. The last RCFD unit left the scene at about 8:30 pm.  

The occupants of the residence were not home at the time of the fire. Two animals were outside when firefighters arrived. Firefighters and Animal Control officers provided care and shelter for the animals until the occupants of the home arrived at the scene. 

There were no injuries reported to firefighters or civilians. 

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

This evenings fire marks the second structure fire in 12 hours for the RCFD. While the cause of both fires remain under investigation, the RCFD will take the opportunity to remind the public that statistics from the National Fire Protection Administration show that structure fires peak during the winter months. Cooking and heating equipment continue to be leading causes of fires. Fires caused by cooking and heating equipment also account for 39% of civilian home fire deaths and 57% of civilian home fire injuries.

Tips for preventing cooking fires can be found at https://bit.ly/2QVZhPI.

Tips for preventing heating fires can be found at https://bit.ly/2P87qD1.

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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RCFD Units Responding: Truck 1, Squad 1, Engine 7, Engine 4, Medic 4, Battalion 1, Public Information Officer

Other Agencies Responding; Pennington County Fire Administration, Rapid City Police Department, city of Rapid City Water Department, Montana Dakota Utilities, Black Hills Energy, Animal Control and Enforcement

No Injuries Reported After Early Morning Fire

Fire spotted by RCPD Officer

Rapid City, S.D. – Four individuals are displaced after an early morning fire in an occupied residence. At 5:05 am this morning, a Rapid City Police Department officer on a call for service in the 100 block of East Denver Street was alerted to a structure fire nearby. The officer noted smoke and flames coming from the basement apartment of the structure located at 127 East Denver and initiated a response from the Rapid City Fire Department.

Crews from Rapid City Fire Department Stations 1, 4 and 7 responded to the fire. On arrival, crews found heavy fire in the basement apartment and heavy smoke conditions throughout the entire structure. All occupants of the structure had exited before RCFD units arrived. Crews stopped the forward progress of the fire in about 30 minutes. Firefighters remained on scene until 7:00 am to complete extinguishment and overhaul operations.

Above: Rapid City Firefighters make entry into a structure fire this morning at 127 East Denver Street.

There were no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported. The American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota was called to the scene to assist occupants with immediate needs.

The Rapid City Police Department remained on scene to assist with traffic control in the area as East Denver Street between Milwaukee Street and North Maple Avenue was closed for a time due to the fire. Additional ice accumulated on already slick road and sidewalk surfaces as a result of firefighting operations. The Street Department with the City of Rapid City was called to treat surfaces in the area.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Additional releases regarding this incident are not anticipated at this time. For questions 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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RCFD Units Responding: Squad 1, Truck 1, Engine 7, Engine 4, Medic 1, Battalion 1, Fire and Life Safety Division, Public Information Officer

Other Agencies Responding: Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Fire Administrator, Montana Dakota Utilities, Black Hills Energy, City of Rapid City Water Department, City of Rapid City Street Department, American Red Cross Serving Central and Western South Dakota.

Slash Pile Burning Planned for Springbrook Acres, M Hill

Prescribed burning dependent on snow cover

Rapid City, S.D. – Rapid City residents will see an increase in slash pile burning this week. The Rapid City Fire Department will issue burn permits allowing slash-pile burning in the Springbrook Acres common acreage. This area is located on the western slope of the Skyline Drive ridge-line above Springbrook Acres in Rapid City. Meanwhile, the RCFD Veteran Wildfire Mitigation Crew will burn slash piles on the south side of M Hill in the Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park area. Both burning operations will be conducted as a result of a qualifying snow event and are anticipated to begin on Tuesday December 4. Additional ignitions will remain dependent on snow cover restrictions mandated by the RCFD. 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. 

The pile burning in Springbrook Acres will be conducted through a fuels reduction project under the direction of Lt. Tim Weaver.  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 3 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.”

Like the Springbrook Acres project, slash pile burning on M Hill is part of a hazardous fuels mitigation program that has been in progress over the last three years. The Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park and adjacent area have experienced a number of wildland fires in the last several years. Reduction of hazardous fuels in the area reduces the likelihood of a catastrophic wildland fire event.

Smoke and flames will be visible clearly near the projects, particularly on Sheridan Lake Road from the area of the Springbrook burning operation and on Omaha Street and in Downtown Rapid City from the M Hill burning operation. Smoke may linger for several days after the piles burn down. The RCFD along with Springbrook Acres will continue to monitor both areas in the days following the project. Please DO NOT call 9-1-1 to report the burning piles.

For more information on the prescribed burning, please contact Lt. Tim Weaver at (605)-394-5233 or at (605)-390-4114.

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Fire, Law Enforcement Agencies Investigating Fatal Garage Fire

Rapid City, S.D. – At 1:30 am the Rapid City Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 118 Signal Drive in Rapid City. Rapid City Police Department officers on patrol in the area arrived on scene within three minutes of the call and advised responding RCFD units that the garage was fully involved. As firefighters responded, dispatchers from Pennington County 9-1-1 relayed information that the detached garage was occupied and that it was unknown if any individuals remained inside.

When the first RCFD units arrived on scene four minutes after dispatch, they observed heavy fire conditions throughout the detached, two-stall garage. Firefighters quickly attacked the fire, stopping the forward progress of the fire within five minutes of arrival. Police Officers located an individual with non-life threatening injuries nearby. Rapid City Fire Department Paramedics transported that individual to a local hospital. The condition of the individual in unknown at this time.

As firefighters extinguished the flames, the body of an unidentified individual was located in the garage. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene. As of the time of this release, the gender, age and identity of the deceased individual is not known.

Firefighters remained on scene until just after 3:00 am extinguishing hot spots. No other civilian injuries or injuries to firefighters were reported. The fire threatened two nearby occupied residential structures. Neither of those structures sustained any damage.

The cause of the fire and the investigation into the cause and manner in which one individual perished and another was injured is under investigation by the Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the Rapid City Fire Department.

At this time, no other information is available for release. Updates related to this incident will be provided when appropriate.

For questions 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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RCFD Responds to Early Morning Fire

Lemmon Ave fire was 50^th call for service during 24 hour shift

Rapid City, S.D. – At 4:47 this morning, crews from four Rapid City Fire Department stations were dispatched to a report of a structure fire at 714 Lemmon Avenue in Rapid City. Rapid City Police Department officers were on scene moments before RCFD units arrived and reported the structure to be fully involved with subjects still unaccounted for. When fire crews arrived, they had heavy fire conditions coming from nearly all of the doors and windows of the single family dwelling.

It took firefighters about 30 minutes to stop the forward progress of the fire. During that time, police officers and firefighters were able to locate and account for all occupants of the home. One individual was transported to a local hospital with life threatening injuries. That individual will remain unidentified to protect their privacy. No other injuries to occupants or firefighters were reported. Crews continued mop-up and overhaul operations until about 6:30 this morning.

Four occupants of the residence have been displaced by the fire. The American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota was called to assist the occupants with immediate needs.

The Rapid City Fire Department’s Fire and Life Safety Division and the Rapid City Police Department are investigating the cause and circumstances surrounding the fire.

The Lemmon Avenue fire was the 50^th call for service for the Rapid City Fire Department during what proved to be a busy and, at times, intense 24-hour Thanksgiving shift. Rapid City’s C-Shift Firefighters responded to a total of 51 calls during the shift. During the shift– which started at 7:00 am Thursday morning– firefighters responded to two structure fires. One fire was confined to the stove area and was one of three burned turkeys that the department responded to during the shift. The crew from Station 6 provided mutual aid to the Rockerville Fire Department for a wildland fire in the Teepee Gulch area. In addition to the structure and wildland fires, crews responded to three cardiac arrests, two serious motor vehicle crashes, a gas leak, and a number of various medical calls, fire alarms, crashes and miscellaneous calls for service. The 51 calls resulted in 82 unit responses.

For questions regarding this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, at 605-394-4180.

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RCFD Units Responding: Truck 1, Squad 1, Battalion 1, Medic 1, Engine 7, Medic 7, Truck 3, Engine 4

Other Agencies Responding: Rapid City Police Department, Montana Dakota Utilities, Black Hills Energy, City of Rapid City Water Department, American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota

Firefighters, Bystanders Perform Multiple Rescues During Morning Fire

Heroic efforts result in no injuries after Cherry Avenue fire

Rapid City, S.D.- An early morning fire in an apartment building forced bystanders and firefighters to make multiple rescues before being brought under control. At 6:30 am this morning, crews from Rapid City Fire Department Stations 1, 4 and 6 were dispatched to a report of a structure fire with persons trapped at 2021 Cherry Avenue. Pennington County 9-1-1 was fielding multiple calls reporting the fire and calls from individuals inside the structure who reported being trapped.

As crews arrived, employees from Collins Siding– located across the street from the apartment building– were completing the rescue of a female occupant from the balcony of one of the apartments. Crews reported that the employees were carrying the individual down the ladder much like a firefighter would. On arrival, there were heavy smoke and fire conditions throughout the structure.

Above: Conditions encountered by crews on arrival.
(Photo by Firefighter/Paramedic Kevin Sosa)

As the crew from Truck 1 completed a 360 degree assessment of the building, window blinds in a basement window could be seen moving. The crew quickly broke the window and extended a ladder into the basement apartment. The occupant of the apartment was able to lie, face-down, on the ladder and was pulled from the burning building by firefighters. This technique was taught and practiced by Rapid City Firefighters exactly two weeks ago during drills in the 700 block of West Street. This morning, their training proved to be invaluable.

In addition to the two aforementioned rescues, at-least four other individuals were assisted from the building by bystanders and firefighters. As a result, no serious injuries and no fatalities occurred. The American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota was called to the scene and is assisting occupants with immediate needs such as lodging, clothing, and medications. Several occupants of the building were evaluated by RCFD Paramedics. All individuals declined treatment and transport.

It took fire crews 30 minutes to stop the forward progress of the fire. Crews remained on scene extinguishing hot spots until about 9:30 am this morning.

The cause and circumstances surrounding the fire are under investigation by the Rapid City Fire Department Fire and Life Safety Division and the Rapid City Police Department.

No injuries to firefighters or responders were reported.

The Rapid City Fire Department wishes to extend its profound thanks to neighboring businesses for their assistance and thoughtful gestures during this incident. In addition to performing a rescue, Collins Siding employees opened their building to displaced occupants, provided rooms for fire investigators to conduct interviews and provided refreshments and food for firefighters. We would also like to thank the Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons for their generous offering of snacks and refreshments to firefighters and responders.

The incident this morning could have had a very, very tragic ending. Were it not for the heroic actions of civilians and first responders, the outcome would have been much, much different.

Additional releases of information from the Rapid City Fire Department regarding this incident are not anticipated at this time. Please contact Lt. Jim Bussell at (605)-394-4180 for questions or comment related to this release.

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RCFD Units Responding:  Truck 1, Squad 1, Medic 1, Battalion 1, Engine 4, Engine 6, Medic 7

Other Agencies Responding: Pennington County 9-1-1, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Pennington County Search and Rescue, Whispering Pines Fire Department, Pennington County Fire Administrator, Black Hills Energy, Montana Dakota Utilities, Midco, City of Rapid City Water Division, American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota

Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters

Homes, businesses invited to light up red to show support

Rapid City, S.D. - Every October, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF) sponsors the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend, the official national tribute to those firefighters who died in the line of duty during the previous year. This year’s Memorial Weekend will be held October 6-7, 2018 in Emmitsburg, Maryland. The weekend includes specific activities and group sessions and culminates with a Memorial Service on Sunday morning. Thousands attend the programs and services each year.

On Saturday evening, the families of the fallen gather at the Memorial for a Candlelight Service. As dusk turns to dark, landmarks across the country will glow in respect to the fallen and their families for Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters. This nation-wide lighting is sponsored by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), as part of the weekend. Last year, some of the most iconic building and bridges participated in honoring our fallen.  They included:  One World Trade Center in New York City, the Bank of America Plaza in Dallas, One Liberty Plaza in Philadelphia, the Prudential Tower in Boston and the Willis Tower in Chicago.

Lighting of buildings, bridges and landmarks in red during the Candlelight Service on October 6^th, or any time during the week of October 1^st, would be an additional symbol of support and comfort to the families being honored and whose loved one is being remembered. 

To learn more, visit https://www.firehero.org/events/memorial-weekend/about/light-night-fallen-firefighters/.

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Warm Coats, Warm Hearts Coat Drive

Donations being accepted at four locations in Rapid City

Rapid City, S.D. - With winter right around the corner, many people in our community are in need of winter clothing to help them stay warm. The Warm Coats, Warm Hearts Coat Drive is taking place now until November 3rd in Rapid City. Donations of new and gently used winter clothing items are being accepted at 4 locations in Rapid City.

1. Rapid City Fire Station 1, 10 Main Street, Rapid City
2. Gateway Autoplex, 123 Omaha Street, Rapid City
3. Great Plains Tribal Chairmen's Health Board, 2611 Elderberry Boulevard, Rapid City
4. Pennington County States Attorney, 130 Kansas City Street Suite 300, Rapid City

A distribution event will take place on November 10 from 11 am until 1 pm at Gateway Autoplex. In addition to clothing distribution, a meal will be served. 

Thank you in advance for your help in making sure that everyone in our community is able to stay warm this winter.

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Rapid City Receives FEMA Grant

Grant aids homeowners in pre-wildfire mitigation efforts

Rapid City, S.D. - Rapid City has received a FEMA Pre Disaster Mitigation Grant for replacing combustible exterior building materials in Rapid City’s primary Wildfire Hazard Zone. This grant is one of many different grant programs available through Rapid City’s Survivable Space Initiative. This initiative helps Rapid City homeowners living in wildfire hazard areas create homes and property that are more adapted to wildfire. 

Above: Areas shaded in red are within Rapid City's primary Wildfire Hazard Zone. 

Most homes destroyed during catastrophic wildfires are ignited by burning embers, or fire brands.  Combustible exterior building materials are vulnerable to these burning embers and significantly increase how ignitable the home is during wildfire events. Ignition of combustible roofs or cedar shake shingles is one of the top contributors of home destruction during wildfires along with combustible siding and decking products.

In many cases, roofs comprised of combustible material are older and are not easily replaced due to hail or wind damage. Many times the cost of total replacement is a burden that the homeowner is faced with if they are concerned about the wildfire vulnerability of their home.  These costs can be out of reach for most homeowners. As a consequence, these highly flammable and dangerous roofs remain on many homes in wildfire prone neighborhoods.

This FEMA grant is designed to aid in the cost of replacing these highly flammable roofs with Class A fire rated roofing products and put the cost of replacement in reach for the homeowner.  There is a match requirement for each home, along with fuel mitigation requirements for the property that must be performed to further reduce the homes vulnerability in a wildfire.   

The Rapid City Fire Department will be applying again soon for more combustible exterior building material replacement grants.  If you have a cedar shake roof, siding, or wooden decking surfaces and live in the primary wildfire hazard area, contact Lt. Tim Weaver for more information concerning this, and other mitigation grants available for fuel reduction on your property. Lt. Weaver can be reached at 605-394-5233 or via email at tim.weaver@rcgov.org.

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National Sprinkler Awareness Contest

Official Rules and Information

Win a one-night hotel stay!

Celebrate National Fire Sprinkler Awareness Day May 19, 2018, and win a one-night hotel stay for your Sprinkler Selfies. Post a selfie of you and your fire sprinkler with “#sprinklerselfie” and comment “I’m protected at [location]” to this post.  On Friday, May 18 at 4:00 PM we will randomly select two Sprinkler Selfies for a stay at Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort in Deadwood or Fairfield Inn & Suites in Rapid City.

Each entry must be a unique person and location combination. For example; If you have fire sprinklers at your work, at your two children’s school, and at home, you could submit up to six entries: 1 of you and your work fire sprinkler, 1 of each of your children in their school, and one of you at home, one of the older child at home, and one of the younger child at home. You would need to post each of the six photos with #sprinklerselfie and reply to this post 6 separate times with I’m protected at work, I’m protected at school, I’m protected at school, I’m protected at home, I’m protected at home, and I’m protected at home.

Learn more about the need for home fire sprinklers at bit.ly/b4toast.

A big thank you goes out to LIV Hospitality for the one-night stay Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort and the one-night stay at Fairfield Inn & Suites gift certificates. Gift certificates must be used before March 31, 2019, and there are some blackout dates.  

For questions about fire sprinklers or contest rules, please contact Fire and Life Safety Specialist Monica Colby at 605-394-5233.

#sprinklerselfie #firesprinklerssavelives

An Open "Thank-You" to Our Local Media

Yesterday, multiple emergency services agencies from across Pennington County responded to a particularly dangerous and dynamic incident involving a fire at an ammunition manufacturing facility on the edge of the communities of Box Elder and Rapid City. There was a significant public impact and an abundance of danger for those nearby.

Today, I wish to take the opportunity to thank a group that provided a great deal of assistance with the incident that many times does not get the thanks that is deserved. The group that I'm referring to is our local media.

While some of my counterparts across the nation struggle with their media relationships, I enjoy my relationships with our media. We are all respectful of each other’s positions and responsibilities. I try to be aware of their needs and deadlines. They are almost always respectful of the fact that I may not be able to immediately get them what they need but will do my level best to try.

Yesterday, as the incident continued to unfold, our media did an outstanding job in being flexible. In particular, I was very pleased with their patience as we moved staging locations multiple times. As we worked to evacuate businesses and close roads, local media outlets did a great job of helping to disseminate that information. Today, I have spent considerable time wading through the accumulation of articles, videos and social media pieces covering the incident. I honestly feel as though the local media did great work in finding a balance between telling the story and providing public safety information.

Again, on behalf of myself and the Rapid City Fire Department as well as the agencies involved in yesterday’s response, thank you to our local media for your professionalism and for your hard work. It did not go unnoticed.

-Lt. Jim Bussell

Public Information Officer

Rapid City Fire Department

RCFD Recruit Academy Underway

Academy includes eight new hires, seven previous hires

Rapid City, S.D. – The Rapid City Fire Department is pleased to introduce eight individuals who began their careers as Rapid City Firefighters on April 16. The eight employees are beginning their second week of the Rapid City Fire Department academy. They will be joined in the academy by seven employees that have been working in an EMS only capacity since November of 2017. The academy is an eleven-week training program that will test the candidates mentally and physically as they prepare to serve the citizens of Rapid City.

Steven Sprague: Recruit Sprague was born and raised in Rapid City. Steven says that he has long dreamed of being a Rapid City Firefighter and he is excited that his dream is now a reality. Steven and his girlfriend have three sons and a daughter. He enjoys backpacking, snowboarding and martial arts.

Charles Siferd- Charles Siferd is a native of Kenosha, Wisconsin. At the age of 17, Recruit Siferd obtained his EMT certification. He then went on to become a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy Reserves and is currently attached to the 4^th Marine Division. Charles has since obtained Paramedic certification and is excited to begin a career in fire and EMS in Rapid City.

Cody Heupel- Cody Heupel is a certified Paramedic. Cody brings with him previous fire and EMS experience with the Sturgis Fire Department and Sturgis Ambulance Service as well as the Keystone Ambulance Service. Cody is married and has an eight month-old son. When he is not serving his community, Cody enjoys outdoors pursuits and is an avid Colorado Avalanche fan.

Tyra Wheeler- Tyra Wheeler was born and raised in San Diego, California and comes to the RCFD after a nearly 11 year career with the Imperial Beach Fire Department where she reached the rank of Engineer/Paramedic. There, she was the department’s first female firefighter. Tyra and her husband, Chase, are currently working toward their goal of operating a cattle ranch that would serve as a retreat for combat military veterans, law enforcement and first responders. 

Ethan Esposti- Ethan Esposti is a Black Hills native that was born and raised outside of Keystone, South Dakota. Ethan is a graduate of Hill City High School. Recruit Esposti gained fire service experience as a member of the Battle Creek Fire Protection District and the Keystone Ambulance Service as well as the Hill City Ambulance Service. Recruit Esposti is a certified Paramedic and enjoys outdoors pursuits and ice hockey.

Wade Waugh- Wade Waugh is originally from Paxton, Nebraska where he was a 2012 graduate of Paxton High School. Recruit Waugh is a graduate of Chadron State College with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Agribusiness and Finance. Wade has previous fire and EMS experience as a member of the Chadron Fire Department. In December of 2017, Recruit Waugh obtained his Paramedic certification. He is excited to be a Rapid City Firefighter.

Roy Kottwitz- Roy Kottwitz is also a life-long resident of the Black Hills. Recruit Kottwitz was born and raised in Piedmont, South Dakota and is a graduate of Sturgis Brown High School. Recruit Kottwitz is a second generation firefighter following in the footsteps of his father who was a firefighter at Ellsworth Air Force Base as well as Piedmont Fire Department. Roy has been a volunteer with Piedmont Fire and Piedmont Ambulance for a number of years as well as a full-time Piedmont Fire Department employee for the last six years.

  

Nick Knotek- Recruit Knotek was born and raised in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Nick obtained his Paramedic certification in 2017 at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. He was a volunteer firefighter in Crescent, Iowa and worked for a private ambulance company in Omaha, Nebraska. In his spare time, Recruit Knotek enjoys playing guitar and rock climbing in his free time.

Congratulations and welcome to these eight fine individuals. We are pleased to welcome them to the Rapid City Fire Department Family. 

For media inquiries, questions or comment related to this release, please contact the Rapid City Fire Department at (605)-394-4180.

Above: Recruit Class 2018-1

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Prescribed Burn at Outdoor Campus Planned for Friday

Information Regarding Planned Prescribed Burn at Outdoor Campus West

RCFD Awards Two With Life Saving Awards

Awards are a result of heroism during February fire

On Tuesday, the Rapid City Fire Department was on hand at North Middle School and Knollwood Elementary School to present Civilian Life Saving awards to two outstanding young people for saving the lives of their younger siblings during a February 18, 2018 fire in Rapid City. The Civilian Life Saving Award is the highest honor presented to civilians by the Rapid City Fire Department.

To learn more, please read the narratives below. These narratives were shared with students today during our presentations.

The Rapid City Fire Department wishes to extend it's thanks to the staff and administration of Rapid City Area Schools, North Middle School and Knollwood Elementary School for their support in helping us make these presentations today.

RCFD Media Release Regarding March 7 Structure Fire

Vehicle vs Building Results in Fire

No injuries reported after afternoon crash and fire

Rapid City, S.D. – Rapid City Firefighters battled a wind driven, natural gas fed fire at an East Rapid City grocery store earlier this afternoon. Just before 2:30 pm, firefighters from three Rapid City Fire Department stations responded to a report of a vehicle that hit the back of Fresh Start Neighborhood Market near the intersection of Elk Vale Road and Homestead Street. The vehicle was reported to be on fire. An additional alarm was struck and firefighters from the Rapid Valley Fire Department as well as an additional Rapid City Fire Department engine company were dispatched to the scene.

Above: A car on a trailer that became dislodged from the vehicle pulling it burns at the rear of the Fresh Start Neighborhood Market near the intersection of Elk Vale Road and Homestead Street.

 A trailer hauling a passenger car broke away from the pick-up that was pulling it, rolled down hill and into the back of the business. The collision resulted in serious damage to an electrical junction box. The collision caused the vehicle to catch fire. The resulting fire damaged the gas meter on the back of the building. That damage resulted in free flowing natural gas which accelerated the fire.  Smoke that was being pushed by sustained winds approaching 40 miles per hour began to fill the store as well as the adjoining liquor store and casino. Patrons and employees quickly evacuated the building. No one was injured as a result of the crash or during the evacuation.

Firefighters arriving on scene found heavy smoke conditions inside the store as well as outside of the building. They were able to stop fire from progressing into the building and were able to use large volumes of water to continue to cool the building and the surrounding area until the flow of natural gas could be stopped.

Above: Firefighters work to extinguish a vehicle fire and cool the area around a broken natural gas line at the rear of the Fresh Start Neighborhood Market near the intersection of Elk Vale Road and Homestead Street.

Because of the fire and the damage to the meter, Montana Dakota Utilities was forced to dig underground and clamp the gas line feeding the store in an area to the south of the building. This also resulted in a temporary disruption of service to nearby Black Hills Federal Credit Union. Once the flow of gas was stopped, firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire and mop up remaining hot spots. Once the store was ventilated, it was discovered no fire had extended inside the store. The store, however, did receive some smoke and water damage as a result of the incident. 

Above: Montana Dakota Utilities crew work to locate and access a natural gas line to help Rapid City Firefighters extinguish a natural gas fed fire at Fresh Start Neighborhood Market near the intersection of Elk Vale Road and Homestead Street.

Strong winds, with gusts over 50 miles per hour, hampered firefighting efforts. The wind, in addition to pushing smoke and fire toward the building, made application of water difficult and limited the use of RCFD aerial apparatus. Because of the strong winds, the 100-foot ladder of one apparatus could only be deployed at a low angle on the leeward side of the building.

Above: Firefighters from RCFD Truck Company 3 ladder the roof of the Fresh Start Neighborhood Market near the intersection of Elk Vale Road and Homestead Street to check for fire extension into the roof after a crash and fire late this afternoon.

All road closures and traffic restrictions were lifted at about 5:00 pm local time. Rapid City Firefighters remained on scene until about 5:30 pm.

In addition to the Rapid Valley Fire Department, the Rapid City Fire Department was assisted by Montana Dakota Utilities as well as West River Electric, the Whispering Pines Fire Department, the Rapid City Police Department, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Pennington County Fire Administrator and an additional Public Information Officer from the Battle Creek Fire Department. The Rapid City Fire Department would also like to thank the employees of Fresh Start Neighborhood Market and Black Hills Federal Credit Union for their cooperation and patience during the incident.

There were no reported injuries to civilians or fire service personnel during the incident.

The cause and circumstances surrounding the crash are under investigation by the Rapid City Police Department.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell, Public Information Officer for the RCFD, at 605-394-4180.

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