ROCKERVILLE, S.D. – Firefighting crews from across the Black Hills are responding to a rapidly evolving wildfire south of Rockerville that has triggered immediate evacuation orders for residents in the area.

The Coyote Flats Fire remains very active as of Wednesday afternoon, prompting officials to issue a “Go Now” evacuation order for a shaded zone identified on official emergency maps. The blaze was first reported in the 23800 block of Pebble Lane, just off Neck Yoke Road. Tessa Jaeger, public information officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, confirmed that the fire is currently threatening structures, though no specific damage has been reported yet.

“It is all hands-on deck right now,” Jaeger said. “We have a ton of resources right now.”

Early estimates place the fire at 30 to 50 acres. The blaze is burning in an area dotted with homes and outbuildings and has already directly impacted Coyote Flats Road. Rapid City and Pennington County emergency management officials have posted detailed evacuation maps on their social media pages and the Pennington County hub.

Emergency personnel are instructing anyone within the designated evacuation zone to leave immediately. Neck Yoke Road has been closed at Spring Creek Road and South Rockerville Road to accommodate emergency traffic. Residents are advised to travel away from smoke and fire and to follow all directions from emergency responders.

Jaeger emphasized that the public must stay away from the fire perimeter to allow crews to operate.

“We do have firefighters and emergency vehicles working throughout the area, and we’re asking everybody to avoid the area that allows for us to operate safely and effectively,” Jaeger said. “When we have people that are trying to come and look at the fire, it makes it difficult and blocks roads for the firefighters and other emergency vehicles to get through.”

For those with livestock, Pennington County officials announced that animals can be sheltered at the Central States Fairgrounds. Local residents with livestock concerns can speak with law enforcement at the road closure locations, where escorts may be provided if conditions are safe.

Authorities acknowledged the difficulty of the situation for homeowners in the Rapid City area but stressed that the evacuation orders are mandatory for public safety.

“I know people are wanting to get to their homes, and it’s scary when you’re in that evacuation,” Jaeger said. “We do it for your safety.”

Multiple agencies continue to arrive at the scene as the third alarm brings in additional manpower from across the region to combat the blaze. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.