Wanblee, S.D. (KELO AM) - A grass fire burning in southwest South Dakota is getting attention from all across the region, including Sioux Falls Fire Rescue.
Three units from Sioux Falls and eight firefighters are headed west to help contain the blaze burning near Wanblee in Jackson County. Battalion Chief Mark Bukovich says the crew will be handling several jobs. "They'll be firefighting on the ground with the engine, we just sent a tactical tender which will supply water to those engines and any others on the ground, [and] they can be utilized as hand crews." Additionally they'll work with those fighting the fire from the air on retardant and water drops.
The eight person crew headed west is red card certified, meaning they have training in wildland firefighting. Additionally, Bukovich says some of the crew has advanced certification as Engine Bosses.
Sioux Falls is one of several communities called upon by Great Plains Dispatch in Rapid City, which is cordinating the effort to get equipment and manpower on the ground to fight the fire. Bukovich says once contacted, Sioux Falls decides what equipment and crew they can afford to send while still keeping a high level of service at home. "Whenever something like this happens in South Dakota everybody stands together to help out. When they called for assistance we made sure we were able to answer the call with as much as possible while still being able to adequately staff and protect back home," he said.
The fire started on Sunday evening and by Monday has grown to over 5 thousand acres, according to the Martin Volunteer Fire Dept. Crews are protecting a handful of homes in the area in addition to batting the ever shifting winds and triple digit heat No cause has been determined as of yet.
