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Campfire
ignites 'active' grass fire
By
REBECCA CRUSE
Capital Journal Staff
Thursday,
August 18, 2005
Careless campers proved
that burn bans are put into effect for a reason.
Around 4 p.m. Tuesday, the Pierre Rural Fire Department was called to a grass
fire in the Peoria Flats area, northwest of Pierre.
Soon after, the rural department requested help from all available units.
According to Pierre Rural Fire Department Chief Russ Hendrix, the source of the
grass fire was most likely a campfire.
“Everything indicates that,” Hendricks said.
He explained that the scene led firefighters to believe that tents had been set
up in the area surrounding where the fire started.
Approximately 40 acres of grass burned in what Hendrix described as a “very
active fire.”
“It was tough because of the breaks in the land and the fire,” Hendricks
said. “We had to do a lot of hand fighting out there. They put a back-burn on
the west side of the fire and they were able to hook the east side. Fortunately,
the wind was in our favor, helping blow the flames toward the river, but it was
tough country to be in.”
The department had to haul in all-terrain vehicles to help traverse the hilly
area.
Hendrix said some area ranchers also helped out, using their all-terrain
vehicles and supplying the firefighters with water, which was helpful in the 97
degree heat.
The fire should serve as a warning for people to observe burn bans, according to
Hendrix.
“Remember the burning bans in Hughes and Stanley counties,” Hendrix said.
“Don’t do it. It’s way too dry. A spark from anything will start a fire
right now. Don’t burn; wait for rain.”
The campers fled the scene of the fire, but Hendrix said that one of them did
leave behind a clue–a pair of pants.
“We’re going to prosecute to the full extent of the law if we find them,”
said Hendrix. “They endangered peoples’ lives out there.”
The maximum penalty for violating burn bans in Hughes County is a $200 fine and
30 days in jail, but civil penalties can be added pursuant to South Dakota
Codified Law, which can require responsible parties to pay all costs incurred
from the burning.
Violations of the city ordinance in Fort Pierre result in a $64 fine and civil
penalties.
Costs incurred from fires are not only limited to damages, but also include the
costs of firefighting equipment usage, personnel and any other expenses normally
paid by tax dollars.
The fire departments contained the Peoria Flats fire quickly enough so it did
not endanger any homes.
“It was just a brush fire,” said Hendricks. “Had the wind been in the
other direction, it would have been a mess. It definitely would have impacted
several homes around there and ranches. It would have been very difficult to
contain, had the wind been out of the north instead of the south, and you
can’t predict the wind. So don’t burn.”
Story by: REBECCA CRUSE
Capital Journal, Pierre, SD
www.capitaljournal.com
For more information about the Pierre Fire
Department, e-mail the PFD
webmaster.
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