UPDATE, 11:50am: A report has been released by Public Information Officer for the RCFD, Tessa Jaeger, stating “The Rapid City Fire Department was dispatched shortly after 9 a.m. to a reported structure fire in the 300 block of Wright Street. The reporting party advised there were flames and smoke coming from the roof of the building.
Upon arrival, crews began an initial offensive attack. Due to strong winds and increasing fire conditions, firefighters transitioned to a defensive attack to reduce risk and maintain scene safety. Wind-driven fire can rapidly change fire behavior, increase collapse potential, and limit visibility … all of which pose significant hazards to firefighters operating on scene.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department for bringing their cascade trailer out to refill air bottles and North Haines Volunteer Fire Department for bringing their warming trailer and hot coffee to help crews warm up during operations. That support makes a real difference during cold-weather responses.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.”
UPDATE, 10:41am: Flames are no longer visible at the property, however at least one brush fire seems to have started at a neighboring residence, which was quickly put out by the fire crew still attempting to combat both heavy wind and fire.
RAPID CITY, SD – Firefighters are battling a significant structure fire at 312 Wright Street, where witnesses reported seeing heavy columns of black smoke rising over North Rapid City on Friday.
The location is the site of the Wright Street Duplexes, a residential development project managed by the NDN Collective.
No information has been released regarding whether the units were occupied at the time the fire broke out or if any workers were on-site. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the Rapid City Fire Marshal.
