Fire crews from multiple agencies are actively battling a wildfire burning northwest of Hermosa after it was reported shortly after midnight Thursday.
State, federal and local resources are engaged in an initial attack on the fire, which is burning through a mix of timber and grass in southwestern South Dakota. Fire officials say crews have established fire line around the perimeter, but the blaze has no official containment at this time. Estimates place the fire at 350 acres.
As a precaution, Shorb Road and Murphy Road have been closed due to active firefighting operations. Authorities said approximately three to five homes have been evacuated because of the fire’s proximity.
Officials confirmed that no structures have been lost, and fire investigators are on scene as crews continue to monitor conditions and work to limit further spread.
Residents are urged to avoid the area to allow emergency responders to operate safely. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY
A wildfire burning three miles northwest of Hermosa is threatening homes and other structures, prompting evacuations and road closures early Thursday morning.
The Murphy fire was first reported around midnight and has been reported to have grown to 275 acres. Fire crews remained on scene through the early morning hours working to contain the blaze.
Due to the fire’s proximity to nearby residences, Shorb Road and Murphy Road were closed as a precaution. Residents in the immediate area were evacuated around 3 a.m. as firefighters assessed the fire’s movement and potential threats to structures.
Officials say the fire is burning in grassy and brush‑covered terrain. Smoke and flames have been visible from surrounding areas, raising concerns for residents across parts of the Rockerville District.
Multiple fire agencies are assisting at the scene, including Rockerville units supporting Battle Creek Fire, as crews work to slow the fire’s spread and protect threatened homes.
At this time, no injuries have been reported, and there is no confirmation of structural damage. The cause of the wildfire remains under investigation.
More information will be released as it becomes available.
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