"Smoke plume emanating from the wildfire west of Rapid City. Strong northwest winds are ongoing behind a cold front."
Credit: National Weather Service
Authorities are evacuating some homes as a wildfire burns near Rapid City.
The fire began this morning near the junction of Schroeder Road and Nemo Road. That’s about four miles west of the city.
The National Weather Service has issued a civil emergency message directing residents of the Westberry Trails subdivision to evacuate immediately.
Governor Kristi Noem has tweeted that she’s traveling to Rapid City to oversee the response efforts.
Strong winds could push the fire toward the city. Rapid City and western South Dakota are under a high-wind warning with gusts up to 60 miles per hour.
Another wildfire is burning 1.5 miles southwest of Keystone. Highway 244 is closed from Keystone to Mount Rushmore. Highway 16A beginning at Grizzly Campground is also closed. Authorities are asking the public to stay away from the area.
