2025-Route 13 Fire-SDCRA (SDCRA)

Wildfire Status:

On March 10, 2025, a series of fires reported along BIA Route 13 on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation merged to form the Route 13 Fire. This incident escalated quickly, prompting the evacuation of the Takini School and Community due to dangerous fire behavior and conditions. After ten days of battling the blaze, Incident Command reported 100% containment of the fire on March 20, 2025. The suppression efforts faced significant challenges due to dry heavy fuels, including trees and shrubs, exacerbated by moderate drought conditions and shifting winds, which continuously rekindled hot spots.

Firefighting efforts were robust, involving a coordinated response from multiple agencies and local volunteer fire departments. The South Dakota National Guard deployed Type 1 Blackhawk helicopters, which dropped approximately 26,000 gallons of water on the fire, and a Type 3 helicopter supported mapping and addressing hot spots effectively. Despite the challenging conditions, including high winds that occasionally reduced visibility, the combined efforts of Enning Volunteer Fire Department and others were crucial in managing the fire's impact.

A Burned Area Emergency Response assessment is currently underway to evaluate the damage and determine future recovery needs. The Incident Command expressed gratitude for the support from the Takini and surrounding communities, emphasizing the significance of collaboration in combating such wildfires. The response to this incident highlights the ongoing threat of wildfires in the area and the importance of preparedness and community involvement in fire management efforts.

Visit Inciweb Incident Page for more information. Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only.

Containment History:

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