Sturgis, South Dakota – Fast-spreading grass fires could ignite and grow out of control within minutes Saturday afternoon as extreme fire danger conditions set up across the Sturgis and Piedmont foothills and the southern Meade County plains. Gusty winds and unusually warm temperatures are creating a volatile setup, prompting officials to warn that any spark could lead to rapid fire spread.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, afternoon temperatures will climb into the upper 50s and 60s while relative humidity drops to between 20 and 35 percent. Northwest winds will increase to 15 to 25 mph, with gusts reaching 40 mph, strong enough to push flames quickly through dry grasslands.
Communities including Sturgis, Piedmont, Black Hawk, Summerset, Tilford, Union Center, Elm Springs, and areas near Ellsworth Air Force Base are under an Extreme Fire Danger statement. Dry grasses and low moisture content mean fires may behave erratically and become difficult to control almost immediately. Officials stress that no outdoor burning should take place, including debris piles or agricultural burns.
Conditions ease only slightly Sunday, with fire danger expected to remain high as temperatures rise into the 60s and humidity stays low. Residents are urged to avoid activities that could create sparks and to remain alert for possible fire weather alerts through the weekend.
