Rapid City, S.D. – Fire danger will reach critical levels Friday as hot, dry, and windy weather grips much of northeast Wyoming and southwest South Dakota. Officials warn that any spark could spread quickly under Red Flag conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Rapid City, a Red Flag Warning is in effect from noon to 7 p.m. Friday for a broad area including the Southern Black Hills, Fall River County, Pine Ridge, the Badlands, and parts of northeastern Wyoming such as Campbell, Crook, and Weston counties. Southwest winds of 10 to 20 mph, gusting up to 30 mph, will combine with humidity levels as low as 13 percent to create dangerous fire behavior.
Dry fuels across the region are expected to respond rapidly, meaning outdoor burning, fireworks, and any open flames should be avoided. Even small fires could become uncontrollable. Landowners and ranchers are urged to check equipment for sparks, while campers should fully extinguish any embers before leaving.
The warning covers some of the most fire-prone terrain in the Northern Plains, including portions of the Black Hills and Badlands. Officials say the risk should ease Friday night as winds diminish, but another round of dry weather could return over the weekend.
