In South Dakota, dry conditions continue to fuel wildfires across the state. Officials say low humidity, high winds, and a lack of moisture have made this an unusually active fire season—even during the winter months.
Some areas, like Tea, received much-needed rain and snow over the weekend, but firefighters say it’s not enough to significantly reduce the risk.
Tea Fire Chief Steven Oberle has been on the department for nearly three decades and says this is the driest early season he can recall.
“If someone were to drive by and flick a cigarette out here in a ditch, it won’t take long for that to take off and run,” said Oberle.
Officials urge residents to avoid burning, especially tree piles or open flames, until conditions improve.
Lincoln County Emergency Management Coordinator Harold Timmerman says the fire threat won’t ease until the landscape turns green.
“Until then, anything you see that is brown is going to burn,” Timmerman warned.
If a controlled burn is necessary, fire officials strongly recommend calling your local fire department for assistance.
