Firefighters battling a wildfire near South Dakota's second-largest city received a fortunate turn of events on Wednesday, thanks to the weather. The First Thunder Fire was first reported on Monday just a few miles from Rapid City, a community with 80,000 residents near Black Hills National Forest. As of Tuesday evening, residents in an evacuation warning area were advised to prepare for potential evacuation.
The fire, which had spread across nearly 160 acres, was exacerbated by unusually hot and dry weather conditions. On Tuesday, Rapid City experienced a high temperature of 96 degrees Fahrenheit (35.6 Celsius), significantly above the normal early-September high of 75 degrees (23.9 Celsius), accompanied by gusty winds reaching 45 mph.
Fortunately, by Wednesday morning, the weather had shifted, bringing cooler temperatures, calmer winds, and increased humidity. An update from the Pennington County Sheriff's Office indicated that firefighters had made significant progress in containing the wildfire. The fire was reported to be at 157 acres, with very favorable weather conditions aiding containment efforts.
The cause of the fire, which spread through a steep, rocky terrain, remains unknown, and there were no immediate reports of structural damage. Pennington County Fire Administrator emphasized the importance of preparedness for residents in the Rapid City area, highlighting the unpredictable nature of wildfires in the region.
Rapid City Mayor had advised residents to gather essential documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards, and financial information, in addition to preserving valuable photographs and prescriptions. Pet owners living near the fire were urged to develop evacuation plans for their animals, with arrangements made for small animals at a local animal hospital and larger animals at a designated fairgrounds.
