UPDATE 4:03PM – Rapid City Fire Department reports the fire is contained at 2 acres.
UPDATE 3:25pm – Skyline still closed. No visible fire or smoke. Lots of emergency vehicles.
UPDATE 3:04PM – Firefighters have halted the forward progress of multiple fires that broke out along Skyline Drive.
The Rapid City Fire Department reported that the incident began after 1:30 p.m. While initial reports indicated three separate fires, officials stated the number was reduced to two after two of the blazes merged.
Emergency responders encountered downed power lines in the area, and officials are investigating a possible transformer explosion as the potential cause.
Despite the proximity to residential areas, the Rapid City Fire Department confirmed there have been no evacuations, no reports of structure damage, and no ongoing threat to the public.
A multi-agency response was utilized to bring the flames under control. Resources on the scene include the Rapid City Fire Department, the Rapid City Module crew, Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department, Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department, and South Dakota Wildland Fire resources.
Skyline Drive remains closed to the public as crews continue work in the area. Residents and motorists are asked to avoid the vicinity until further notice.
UPDATE 2:33PM – The fire is reported to be above the Amphitheater, to the South, and on the east side of the ridge. Multiple firetrucks onsite and extreme wind conditions.
UPDATE 2:14PM – Reports of downed power lines, fire, and reports of an explosion on Skyline Drive. The fire is very close to the KAT/FOX Transmitter(Antenna) sites and the Relay site for HOT 93.1. Skyline drive is completely close off. Black Hills Energy estimates a power outage until 4pm or later.
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Emergency crews are responding to reports of smoke visible from Skyline Drive in Rapid City on Wednesday afternoon.
Plumes of smoke were visible at approximately 2pm. The Rapid City Fire Department confirmed that units are currently on the scene and working to identify the source and extent of the fire.
There are reports of downed power lines and an explosion from people on scene. The extreme winds of today are a major concern of the fire spreading.
