RAPID CITY, S.D. – Area fire crews will be on alert this weekend as the hot dry weather continues and fireworks are used to celebrate Independence Day.
In Rapid City, fire crews have already responded to their first fire believed sparked by fireworks.
RCFD says it was reported behind Star Village around 12:15 Thursday afternoon, burning about a third of an acre before being brought under control.
The use of fireworks are illegal within Rapid City limits, except novelty fireworks like snappers and sparklers.
The personal discharge of fireworks are allowed in Sturgis on the 3rd and 4th between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on the third and 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. on the fourth.
Although they are allowed in Sturgis, fire crews urge you to be extremely careful with the dangerously dry conditions and if possible, leave the handling of fireworks to the professionals. Sturgis will host their annual fireworks display on Saturday night at dusk.
Personal fireworks are also allowed in Box Elder, but other than that, most Black Hills municipalities do not allow them. They are also not allowed anywhere within the Black Hills Fire Protection District.
