Vegetation is extraordinarily dry this spring season and fire danger is very high in the Black Hills and surrounding areas.
Fire restrictions are in place on state, federal and county lands within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.
South Dakota Wildland Fire division director, Jay Esperance, is asking everyone to be cautious during this current dry spell to help prevent wildfires.
“It’s essential local area residents and visitors comply with the fire restrictions,” Esperance said. “One carelessly tossed cigarette could have tragic consequences for our state’s communities.”
State officials would like to remind area residents the increased potential for wildfires necessitates fire prevention precautions for all.
Ways to aid in prevention efforts include never driving or parking a vehicle in dry grass, making sure cigarette butts are properly extinguished and ensuring your outdoor equipment is maintained and equipped with proper spark arrestors.
“We are in a time of year where vegetation has yet to green-up, further increasing the fire risk,” says the Halley Legge, fire prevention technician. “Please be vigilant and abide by current fire restrictions for your area.”
Current restrictions can be found at www.blackhillsfirerestrictions.com for the Black Hills area. For statewide fire danger, visit https://gacc.nifc.gov/rmcc/dispatch_centers/r2gpc/fuels.htm.
South Dakota Wildland Fire can be found on Twitter @SDWildlandFire and on Facebook by searching SD Wildland Fire.
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