Rapid City Fire Department Responds to Separate Grass and Vehicle Fires Before Dawn

The Rapid City Fire Department handled two separate fires early this morning with no injuries reported.

At 12:30 a.m., crews responded to a fast-moving grass fire near the I-90 and I-190 interchange. The blaze threatened a powerline, roadways, and nearby commercial buildings but was contained to about 16 acres.

Assisting were South Dakota State Wildland Fire, North Haines Volunteer Fire Department, and local law enforcement. Cause remains under investigation.

Shortly after 3:00 a.m., firefighters arrived at reports of a possible explosion and found a Chevrolet pickup with flames in the engine compartment. The “explosion” was determined to be tires rupturing from heat. The fire was quickly extinguished; cause is still under investigation.

Officials urge caution with dry conditions and high fire danger that can accelerate fire spread.