RAPID CITY, South Dakota at 3:49pm – Firefighters achieved containment Wednesday on the “Gertie Fire,” a wildland blaze that burned 18 acres southwest of Hill City in un-incorporated Pennington County, South Dakota.
The Hill City Volunteer Fire Department was the initial responding agency to the reported fire in the Gertie Road area, approximately one mile southwest of the Hill City limits. First arriving crews found an active fire burning in cured grass and timber and immediately launched an attack.
As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025, the Gertie Fire was contained at 18 acres.
Firefighters will remain on the scene through the evening and overnight for mop-up and holding operations, with active suppression continuing into Thursday, Oct. 2. The incident commander warned that residents in the area should anticipate active smoke conditions throughout the evening and overnight hours, extending into Thursday.
The fire remains under the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service/Black Hills National Forest. No injuries to firefighters, civilians, domestic animals, or livestock were reported.
RAPID CITY, S.D. – Great Plain Fire Dispatch reports a wildfire is burning in the southern hills.
The Gertie Fire was reported early Wednesday morning in rugged terrain about a mile west of Hill City.
The latest report indicates the fire grew from an estimated 3 acres earlier this morning to just over 18 acres. Current maps from the Black Hills National Fire show the fire has crossed Gertie Road is some areas.
Firefighters from multiple agencies are battling the blaze in the Cowboy Gulch area. Engines, water tenders, a dozer and hand crew have been ordered along with a fire investigator.
No evacuations are in effect, although smoke from the fire is prevalent in Hill City and surrounding areas.