Rapid City Firefighters Knock Down Morning Fire

Rabbit rescues made by firefighters

Rapid City, S.D. - At 9:15 this morning, crews from Rapid City Fire Department Stations 1, 4, and 6 responded to a report of a structure fire at 627 St. Patrick Street. An individual walking by noted the smell of smoke and saw fire coming from a window on a single family residential structure and called 9-1-1. First arriving firefighters found heavy smoke conditions inside the home with fire showing from at least one window on the back of the structure.

During the initial attack, it was unclear if all of the occupants of the home were out of the building. Crews began a search of the home in near zero visibility conditions. No human occupants were located inside. With the help of the Rapid City Police Department, all human occupants were located and found safe in various locations in Rapid City and notified of the fire.

During the search, Firefighter/Medic Andrew Rasmussen and Firefighter/Medic Donavin Neugebauer located pet rabbits in the home and brought them outside to safety. The pets were placed in the care of the Medic 4 crew– which included Andrew’s brother, Firefighter/Paramedic Alex Rasmussen– and provided with oxygen via animal resuscitation masks. These masks are on every RCFD Medic Unit and utilized during fires and rescue incidents where pets may be involved. The rabbits were returned to their owner and taken to a local veterinarian for evaluation.

The fire was knocked down quickly with overhaul efforts lasting until about noon. Investigators were on scene working to determine the cause. The cause will remain under investigation. The American Red Cross serving Central and Western South Dakota was called to assist occupants with immediate needs, including shelter. St. Patrick Street between 7^th Street and 5^th Street was closed most of the morning. It was re-opened around noon. Motorists in the area are encouraged to use caution as additional ice has accumulated due to firefighting efforts. The Street Department with the City of Rapid City was in the area treating icy surfaces.

For questions or comment related to this release, please contact Lt. Jim Bussell with the Rapid City Fire Department at 605-394-4180.

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

Other Agencies Responding: Rapid City Police Department, Whispering Pines Fire Department, Pennington County Fire Administrator, American Red Cross serving Western and Central South Dakota, Montana Dakota Utilities, Black Hills Energy