CUSTER, SD — Hazmat teams were dispatched today after dispatch received reports of an “Unknown Leak” at the location of the Stage Stop Trading Post.
The leak, reported around 12:10 pm left the Custer Volunteer Fire Department in need of support, and as a safety precaution called on the Rapid City Fire Department’s Hazmat team, seemingly evacuating the immediate area due to safety concerns according to a post made following the incident. (via Facebook) Rapid City answered the call promptly, and RCFD teams RC Hazmat 6 and RC Fire Paramedic 6 responded, aiding Custer VFD in conducting a safe investigation of the situation.
Results of their findings are currently not public knowledge, however following the response crews appear to have determined there to be no danger to persons in the immediate vicinity, and in an update shortly after, the Custer VFD updated their post, saying “Crews are clearing the scene and headed back to the station!” after reportedly venting the building, suggesting that something like a gas leak may have indeed been present, though this is unconfirmed.
No injuries or fatalities have been reported related to this incident at the time of writing. Updates to come as they become available.
UPDATE, 2/26/26 – Contacts at the Custer Volunteer Fire Department have confirmed that when they initially arrived, their equipment detected a potentially hazardous gas leak. As a precautionary measure, they did evacuate the surrounding buildings, however they were quickly allowed to return after it was confirmed that there was no public threat. An individual was examined by the ambulance crew on-scene, however it was determined that they were healthy and unharmed.
