BOX ELDER, S.D. – Fire crews from across the Rapid City region suppressed a structure fire that spread to nearby grasslands Sunday afternoon in rural Box Elder.

The Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 1:35 p.m. to the 4900 block of South Sunnyside Drive following reports of smoke and flames visible from a detached garage. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a free-burning fire with heavy smoke issuing from the single-story structure. The fire had already begun extending into the ceiling, roof assembly, and the surrounding grass.

A rapid attack by responders contained the blaze to the building of origin, preventing the flames from spreading to nearby structures or infrastructure. Officials confirmed that approximately one-quarter acre of grass was burned during the incident.
No injuries were reported to civilians, firefighters, or domestic animals.

The emergency response involved a significant mutual aid effort. Agencies assisting the Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department included the Rapid City Fire Department and Ambulance Service, the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Air Force 28th Bomb Wing/Ellsworth Air Force Base Fire Department. Additional support was provided by the Rapid Valley, Whispering Pines, and North Haines volunteer fire departments, along with Pennington County 911.