LEAD, S.D. – Emergency crews with the Lead Volunteer Fire Department responded to the Stewart Slope Lodge at Terry Peak on Tuesday night following reports of a heavy machinery fire.
At approximately 9:16 p.m. on Dec. 2, firefighters were dispatched to the lodge, a frequent winter destination for residents of Rapid City, South Dakota, and the surrounding Black Hills. Upon arrival, first responders discovered a Snowcat fully engulfed in flames at the edge of a parking lot.
Firefighters utilized the bumper turret on Tender 5 to apply a large water stream directly onto the fire, allowing them to knock down the flames quickly. A handline from Engine 3 was then deployed, and Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS) were utilized to cool the wreckage and fully extinguish any further threat.
Lead Units Engine 3, Rescue 4, Tender 5 and Squad 7 responded to the incident. The Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office also responded to assist the department.
Following the incident, the Lead Volunteer Fire Department urged residents to remain vigilant regarding potential fire hazards. The department emphasized that both wildland and structural fires can spread with alarming speed, noting that rapid reporting is critical to enabling a swift response and minimizing damage. The public is reminded to report any fire or smoke immediately by calling 911.
