It’s firework season for most of the country, but for much of the Black Hills fire protection district, only official events are permitted. Step outside of city limits though, and that can quickly change.
Rapid Valley is a suburb to the east of Rapid City, and its position outside Black Hills proper has made it a destination for those seeking fiery fun on the Fourth without the worry of wildland fire.
While pyrotechnics are permitted though, that doesn’t mean entirely or irresponsibly. Deputy Brandon Spence is with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Department but has previous experience with the local fire department. He said the Valley can expect a police presence this year.
"We’ll be out there making sure people are shutting down fireworks around 11 p.m. and still being safe with it," Spence said. "Making sure everyone is respecting their neighbors, picking up their trash, there’s going to be a lot of people running around the streets, so making sure people are being safe.”
Spence said those indulging should respect the firepower.
“Make sure its facing right, upwards," Spence said. "If it falls over don’t try to stand it up, just let it go. I’d rather have to deal with property damage than you blowing off your hand or injuring yourself.”
Spence said residents in the Valley are generally fire wise, but fires have started on the holidays before.
“The only real firefighting experience for the Fourth of July was putting out the occasional dumpster fire," Spence said. "Quickly responding to small little spot fires that would pop up from a firework tipping over and going into the grass, or someone throwing away a still hot firework tube into the trash can. If you’re playing with fire, have a bucket of water nearby. That’s pretty simple, self-explanatory safety.”
There is a one-mile radius that extends beyond Rapid City limits, including into the Valley, that extends into the Black Hills fire protection district. As a result, fireworks are banned in this area despite being outside city limits.