RAPID CITY, S.D. – Multiple fire crews from federal, state and local resources quickly jumped on a fire Thursday that had the potential to grow exponentially.
The Silver Mountain Fire was reported early Thursday afternoon in an area located a mile west of Rockerville, near Silver Mountain Road.
Ground crews were joined by air support and their hard work kept the fire at 22 acres and 50% containment reached by Thursday night.
Firefighters made up of hand-crews and working on engines continueD to work directly along the fire perimeter Thursday night to secure the edge. Safety hazards to firefighters include steep and rocky terrain, hazard trees/snags, and traffic on Highway 16. The public is asked to slow down when driving through the area but please do NOT stop along the highway.
Aircraft successfully assisted firefighters on the ground which included: an Air Attack platform, 2 Single Engine Air Tankers (SEATs), 1 Type 3 Helicopter, 1 Type 1 Helicopter, and 2 Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs).
Earlier in the day, an evacuation notice was sent out to residents along Silver Mountain Road. The evacuation warning was lifted later in the day as crews quickly gained the upper hand on the fire.
It was a diligent task for fire crews, with extreme fire conditions present at the time the fire started.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.
***THIS IS AN UPDATE FROM OUR PREVIOUS STORY BELOW***
ROCKERVILLE, S.D. – Fire crews from around the area have responded to a wildfire that has started near Rockerville.
Great Plains Fire Dispatch reports the Silver Mountain Fire is burning in timber approximately a mile west of Rockerville, near Silver Mountain Road.
The fire is listed at 10 acres as of 1:00 p.m. Thursday.
An official evacuation warning has been issued for the Silver Mountain Fire. It extends along both sides of Silver Mountain Road for the entire length of Silver Mountain Road, from its eastern and western intersections with Highway 16.
Silver Mountain Road off Highway 16 has been closed due to the fire.
Federal, State and Local resources have all responded to the fire, named the Silver Mountain Fire. Multiple air resources are also responding to aid with suppression efforts on the Silver Mountain Fire. Current air resources include two single engine air tankers (seats), a type 3 and a type 1 helicopter. Helicopters carry water and fire retardant to cool targeted hot spots, while fixed-wing aircrafts carry water and retardant to drop near fire perimeters to slow progression and aid resources on the ground.
