ROCKERVILLE, S.D. – Multiple emergency agencies from across the Black Hills battled a fully involved structure fire near Rapid City through the early morning hours of Saturday, January 3rd.

The Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department was initially dispatched just after midnight to support Battle Creek Fire Department following reports of fire and smoke visible from Highway 79. While searching the area, crews located a structure fire at the end of Ember Road.

Due to the intensity of the blaze and the remote location, officials issued a second alarm to request additional water tenders. The nearest available water source was located several miles away on Neck Yoke Road, requiring a continuous relay of support from neighboring departments.

The Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department was among the agencies answering the mutual aid request, dispatching Tender 1-4 with a two-person crew to assist with water supply.

Other responding agencies included the Rapid City Fire Department, Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Hill City Volunteer Fire Department, Whispering Pines Fire Protection District, Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department, and North Haines Volunteer Fire Department.

The Pennington County Search and Rescue team provided high-intensity scene lighting to assist crews working in the dark, while the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and Pennington County Fire also provided on-site support. To access the interior of the building, a backhoe was brought in to remove metal siding from the structure.

Utility support was provided by Black Hills Electric Cooperative. All resources cleared the scene around 6 a.m.

According to the Rockerville Volunteer Fire Department, no injuries were reported as a result of the fire. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.