Update at 8pm: Fire crews have successfully knocked down the fire at L&S Trailer Repair and Welding, according to the City of Box Elder.

In a statement Tuesday evening, city officials thanked the Box Elder Police Department and the Box Elder Volunteer Fire Department for their quick response and continued efforts throughout the incident. Additional assistance came from the Summerset, Black Hawk, Ellsworth, Rapid City, Rapid Valley, New Underwood, North Haines, Piedmont and Whispering Pines fire departments, along with the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

The city also recognized community partners who supported first responders during the incident. The Hangar Pub in Box Elder opened its doors as a cooling shelter and provided ice water to emergency crews, while Midco supplied Gatorade for those working the fire.

Officials said the coordinated response by firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, city staff and community partners demonstrated the strength of the Black Hills community.

Community members also flooded social media with messages of support for the business owners and gratitude for the first responders. Many expressed hope the business will be able to rebuild, while others praised the teamwork and dedication of the emergency crews who battled the blaze under difficult conditions.

BOX ELDER, S.D. – Fire crews have responded to a dangerous fire at a Box Elder U-Haul rental business Tuesday afternoon.

The fire at L&S Trailer Repair and Welding at 122 Box Elder Road was reported around 2:00 p.m. today.

First arriving fire crews found a fully involved fire involving the main structure of the business as well as neighboring U-Haul trailers. Fire crews went into defensive mode upon arrival and the fire had also spread to the surrounding grass, starting a grass fire. Watch Duty named the fire the Douglas Fire and listed it at 2 acres initially.

Fire crews are on the scene battling the blaze in extremely hot and dry conditions.

The is a developing story and we will update as more details come in.