ROCKERVILLE, SD — As we enter into another Red Flag day of increased fire risk, crews from around the Black Hills once more venture into Rockerville as containment efforts on the Coyote Flats Fire, which ignited Wednesday afternoon, continues. According to officials, the fire is 50% contained as of the time of writing, with crews having made good progress yesterday.

“Objectives today include securing the fire perimeter, mopping up around structures, and along Neck Yoke Road, and being prepared to respond to potential new incidents as today is another critical fire weather day,“ said Department of Public Safety PIO Steve Long. “Mopping Up” in firefighting terminology is a term referring to the identification and extinguishing of hot spots in the area of a fire that may remain following initial efforts, such as stumps, branches, and underground root networks.

Long confirmed that both state and federal resources are being devoted to containment efforts, however weather is set to remain unfavorable both today and tomorrow with humidity set to reach a low of 10% on Saturday, making the incoming spring season an increasingly risky time for firefighters.