PIEDMONT, S.D. – The Pennington County Fire service says they responded to a structure fire on Friday evening.
At 6:08 PM on Friday May 31, 2024 the North Haines Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to 21900 block of Royal Run Rd. unincorporated Meade County, for a reported structure fire in a detached pole barn close to the home. As Firefighters were responding to the scene smoke was visible from many miles away, and due to the inadequate water supply in the area, a second alarm was requested for additional water tenders. It was also reported that the fire had extended into the residential structure.
First arriving Firefighters discovered a free-burning structure fire in a pole barn that had extended into the roof of the adjacent home. At that time, it was determined that the pole barn was not able to be saved, so all suppression efforts were focused on the home.
With the quick actions of the first arriving crews providing an aggressive interior fire attack the fire was kept to the attic assembly of the home and the fire did not extend into the living quarters. The fire was brought under control within 30 minutes of the first unit arrival.
It should also be mentioned that the actions of a neighbor closing all doors and windows on the home prevented the fire from becoming out of control before fire crews arrived on scene. While the pole barn is a total loss, there is primarily only smoke and water damage in the home.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation. The fire appears to be accidental. The occupants have been assisted by the American Red Cross Serving Central and Western South Dakota and are currently staying with family in the area.
There were no injuries to the firefighters or occupants and no domestic animals were lost.
Agencies Responding:
Pennington County 911, Meade County 911, North Haines Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid City Fire Department, Ellsworth Air Force Base Fire Department, Black Hawk Fire Department, Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department, Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department, New Underwood Volunteer Fire Department, Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department, Doty VFD, Vermillion, SD Fire EMS Department, Meade County Emergency Management, Pennington County Fire Service, American Red Cross – South Dakota, and West River Electric Association.
