Fire officials say state residents should prepare for wildfire dangers. South Dakota Wildland Fire Director Jay Esperance says he’s concerned about the upcoming fire season.
“Right now, fuels are the driest they’ve been since we’ve been keeping records for the past 22 years.”
Esperance says dry fuel like grasses can help wildfires spread quickly. In a meeting with state legislators Tuesday, Esperance mentioned recent wind-driven grassfires.
“I mean look at your window last week. You saw the fire we had here [Pierre]. You heard about the fire up in Lemmon. My concern is and only for our forested areas but also for our prairies. It should be a surprise to folks.”
Esperance says South Dakotans should implement fire-prevention treatments around their home and talk over evacuation plans.
-Contact SDPB reporter John Nguyen by email.