Fire crews responded swiftly to a wildland fire reported Wednesday in the Gertie Road area, located about one mile southwest of Hill City in unincorporated Pennington County.
The Hill City Volunteer Fire Department was first on scene, where firefighters encountered active flames burning through cured grass and timber. Crews immediately launched suppression efforts to contain the blaze.
By 3:00 PM yesterday, the fire—named the “Gertie Fire”—was successfully contained at approximately 18 acres. Firefighters remained on site conducting mop-up and holding operations, with active suppression expected to continue into today.
Officials warn that smoke could remain visible through today.
The fire is under the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service and the Black Hills National Forest. No injuries have been reported among firefighters, civilians, pets, or livestock.
Meanwhile, KOTA Territory News is reporting The Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD) responded to a reported fire near the National Weather Service office around 2 a.m. this morning.
The fire occurred near 300 East Signal Drive, close to the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and the Star Village neighborhood. Fire crews quickly arrived on scene and contained the blaze to approximately one acre, according to radio communications. No nearby structures were threatened. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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