RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Rapid City Fire Department (RCFD) experienced a high volume of calls over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, responding to a total of 235 incidents between Thursday, July 3, and Saturday, July 5. The surge in activity included numerous medical emergencies, grass fires, structure fires, and fireworks-related incidents across Rapid City and the surrounding Black Hills.
Thursday, July 3, was the busiest day for RCFD crews, with 100 calls for service. Highlights from the day included responding to a mutual aid grass fire on N. Elk Vale Road and maintaining a fireworks standby at the Elks Golf Course. The department also handled a standby for the Vice President’s visit and a significant number of medical calls throughout the day.
On Independence Day, Friday, July 4, the RCFD responded to 77 calls. Incidents included a mutual aid fire on 143rd Avenue, a smoke report off I-90 that was confirmed to be fireworks, and fireworks standbys at Arrowhead and Executive Golf Courses. Crews also addressed a dumpster fire on E. Knollwood Drive and a structure fire on W. Blvd North. Medical responses remained a consistent demand for services.
The weekend concluded with 58 calls on Saturday, July 5. Firefighters tackled several grass fires, including those on Curtis Street, Lucky Lane, and near the School of Mines. A mutual aid fire in Whispering Pines also required RCFD assistance. Property damage related to fireworks was reported on Anamosa Street, and the department maintained a fireworks standby at the Post 22 baseball game. Medical calls continued to be a significant portion of the department’s workload.
The RCFD’s responsiveness highlights their critical role in ensuring public safety during peak holiday periods in Rapid City area.
