HILL CITY, S.D. – Members of the Hill City Volunteer Fire Department successfully contained a structure fire along Highway 385 today, preventing major damage to the interior of a local home.

Upon arriving at the scene, first responders observed heavy smoke billowing from the eaves surrounding the chimney of the residence. Because the home featured a vaulted ceiling, crews did not have standard interior attic access to reach the source of the smoke.

Firefighters adapted by gaining access directly through the roof. This tactical decision allowed crews to efficiently reach the flames and extinguish the fire, keeping the interior damage to a minimum.

A total of 17 firefighters and 6 apparatus arrived on scene. No injuries were reported during the incident, and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.