UPDATE, 2/12/26, 1:43pm – The following update has been provided by the Department of Public Safety, via Facebook: “State, federal, and local crews will continue working hot spots along the perimeter of the Silver Mountain fire today through at least Friday. The fire is currently 50% contained and has covered approximately 67 acres. No roads are closed, but drivers should slow down on Highway 16 and avoid Silver Mountain Road unless absolutely necessary due to active firefighting operations”.
UPDATE – The fire is estimated to be 80 acres and is 50% contained. Crews will be watching it overnight.
ROCKERVILLE, S.D. – Firefighters have expanded their containment lines on a wildfire burning south of Rockerville, though officials warned that smoke will likely increase Wednesday afternoon due to planned burnout operations.
The Silver Mountain Fire is now estimated at 20 acres, up from an earlier estimate of 15 acres. Despite the growth in size, the Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department reported at 3:15 p.m. that resources have successfully established both handlines and dozer lines around the perimeter.
Crews are currently working to burn out vegetation along those established lines to solidify the fire’s edge before nightfall.
“Expect to see an increase in smoke and activity as this burn operation occurs,” the department stated in a social media update.
Steve Long of South Dakota Wildland Fire originally reported the blaze at 11:30 a.m. about two miles south of Rockerville off Highway 16. While the fire was burning adjacent to the highway earlier in the day, no structures are currently threatened and no evacuations have been ordered.
The U.S. Forest Service and local volunteer departments are assisting South Dakota Wildland Fire in the effort. Officials expect to be engaged with the fire through Thursday.
Motorists traveling near the Rockerville area and Silver Mountain Road are urged to drive with caution and watch for emergency personnel. Rapid City residents may notice a heavier smoke column through the evening hours as the burnout operations continue.
