RAPID CITY, S.D. – The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division urges landowners who recently burned brush piles to monitor them to be sure they are completely extinguished.
Ignited brush piles should be rechecked several times until all material is consumed and the fire is completely extinguished. Piles thought to be extinguished may not be and can start wildfires weeks after initial ignition.
“The probability of ignition increases with warmer weather and drought conditions which could result in some escapes,” said Assistant Chief of Operations, Jay Wickham. “We need people to make sure recently burned brush piles are completely extinguished.”
If a slash pile escapes the landowner’s control the landowner could be cited, and they will be liable for civil damages, injury, and all fire suppression costs.
All burn permits will expire on Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at midnight.
