BLACK HAWK, S.D. – Fire departments from around the area responded to a large structure fire off Sturgis Road in Black Hawk Thursday afternoon.
The three alarm fire began at Riss & Associates Cabinets and Casework and spread to a neighboring building; Cameron Ashley Products.
It brought in firefighters from several communities as they battled very windy conditions.
The fire led to the temporary closure of Sturgis Road on both sides of the county line.
It was reported shortly after noon, and thick, black smoke along with visible flame was coming from the building as firefighters arrived.
It led to some downed power lines and evacuations along Saratoga Drive.
Jerome Harvey with the Pennington County Fire Service says firefighters had their work cut out for them.
“This is a building that is over 200 plus feet in length, a very large commercial structure that is full of wood and other combustible products that is on fire so there is quite a bit of work to do to stop the fire from growing.”
Water tenders were being shuttled in and out of the scene and authorities were urging people to please avoid the area.
Fire crews were expected to remain on scene well into Thursday night.
The fire’s cause was under investigation.
photo courtesy of Meade County Emergency Management.