WALL, S.D. — South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden joined state and local officials last week to cut the ribbon on a new Single Engine Air Tanker, or SEAT, base in Wall, a project aimed at improving wildfire response times across western South Dakota.
Rhoden, a longtime volunteer firefighter, said the new facility will provide firefighters with critical resources to help protect communities and natural landscapes from wildfire threats.
The Wall-based SEAT facility will allow air tankers to respond more quickly to fires in the Black Hills, Cheyenne River Valley, and surrounding areas. The aircraft can carry up to 800 gallons of water or fire retardant and deliver it directly to wildfire hotspots, helping crews contain fires before they spread.
The new base is part of a broader effort by the Rhoden administration to strengthen wildfire preparedness. Earlier this year, new wildland fire facilities opened in Rapid City and Hot Springs, and an executive order was signed to streamline state wildfire assistance for rural fire departments outside the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.
State officials say the investment will improve wildfire response capabilities and help safeguard lives, property, and natural resources across South Dakota.
Comments