RAPID VALLEY, S.D. – Multiple fire agencies battled an early morning structure fire in Rapid Valley on Wednesday, resulting in a two alarm response and one firefighter being hospitalized.

The Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched at 2:48 a.m. to the 2300 block of Cattle Drive in unincorporated Pennington County. Upon arrival, crews discovered smoke and flames venting from the walls and roof assembly of a residential structure.

Due to the intensity of the fire, the incident was upgraded to a second alarm, drawing in resources from across the region to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby properties. Firefighters successfully contained the fire to the original building, protecting adjacent homes, infrastructure, and ranching assets.

Two civilians sustained minor injuries during the incident. One firefighter was transported to Monument Hospital in Rapid City for further evaluation, according to department officials.

The response required extensive coordination between local and federal agencies. Assisting the Rapid Valley Volunteer Fire Department were crews from Box Elder, North Haines, Black Hawk, Rockerville, Whispering Pines, and Battle Creek. The Rapid City Fire Department and Ambulance Service provided additional support alongside the Ellsworth Air Force Base Fire Department.

Law enforcement and utility support were provided by the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and West River Electrical Cooperative. The American Red Cross serving central and western South Dakota is providing assistance to those affected by the fire.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.