Gertie Fire contained to single alarm

The Hill City Volunteer Fire Department responded to a reported wildland fire in the Gertie Road area, approximately one mile southwest of the city limits of Hill City, unincorporated Pennington County. First arriving firefighters observed an active fire burning in cured grass and timber and immediately attacked the fire. As of 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1, the fire named the “Gertie Fire” had been contained at 18 acres. Firefighters would remain on the fire, conducting mop-up and holding operations. Active suppression operations continued Oct. 2. There was an active smoke condition throughout the evening and overnight hours, extending into Thursday. The fire was under the jurisdiction of the United States Forest Service/Black Hills National Forest. No injuries to firefighters, civilians, domestic animals or livestock were reported. Responding agencies included Pennington County 911, Hill City Volunteer Fire Department, Hill City Ambulance Service, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, South Dakota Wildland Fire, Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department, Battle Creek Fire Department and the United States Forest Service/Black Hills National Forest. For updates and information on wildland fires on federal and state jurisdictions, follow the Great Plains Fire Information website at gpfireinfo.blogspot.com.