Saturday 2:40pm Update – Firefighters on the Pine Ridge Reservation secured key progress Saturday morning, establishing and improving control lines around two wildland blazes known as the Needles-Event Fire in the Evergreen and Porcupine areas.

Emergency management officials reported containment on the fires is now estimated at 20 percent. Ground crews and aerial resources are slated to maintain full operations across the incident footprint as response efforts continue.

Despite progress along the perimeter, interior pockets of unburned vegetation remain within the established containment zones. Authorities cautioned local residents that visible flare-ups and periods of heavy smoke will likely continue through the day and overnight hours as these fuels burn out.

Public safety officials requested that motorists exercise heightened caution when traveling through the Evergreen community due to frequent emergency vehicle traffic turning on and off major thoroughfares. Because back-road access inside the burning zone remains severely restricted, non-essential personnel are urged to avoid the area to allow fire engines and support trucks unobstructed passage.

With incoming storm systems expected to bring potential lightning strikes across the region near Rapid City, authorities urge anyone who spots a new ignition to contact 911 immediately.

####

PINE RIDGE, S.D. – Firefighters with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service are responding to a large wildfire located north of Porcupine on the Pine Ridge Reservation, south of Rapid City.

Fires were initially reported around 10:30am on Sept. 4. The two incidents combined into one large blaze around 5:45pm. Fire managers suspect recent lightning in the area caused the fires.

Now officially designated as the Needles-Event Fire, the active wildfire has burned approximately 4,000 acres and remains at zero percent containment. Smoke from the blaze is visible across the surrounding region, prompting public safety advisories for areas near Rapid City and the reservation.

No land closures or evacuations are in place. However, three residences and six small structures are at risk, and fire crews are maintaining a close watch on these buildings.

The fire continues to burn actively in steep terrain, limiting foot access for ground crews. Current weather conditions present ongoing challenges, featuring high temperatures, increased wind through the evening, and potential thunderstorms.

Ground and aerial resources are actively working to suppress the flames and protect life, property, and natural and cultural resources. Firefighters are using a direct extinguishment strategy using multiple engines, water tenders, hand crews, and aircraft.

Additional wildland firefighting resources have been requested, including a Type-3 incident management team. Crews plan to maintain fire lines and monitor the flames throughout the night.

Officials urge the public to avoid the fire area to allow emergency personnel to safely conduct suppression operations. Authorities remind residents and visitors that active wildfire areas are strict no-drone zones, as unauthorized drones can force firefighting aircraft to suspend operations and endanger emergency crews on the ground.

For current air quality forecasts and smoke advisories affecting the surrounding communities, residents can visit airnow.gov. Additional emergency updates are being published by the U.S. Wildland Fire Service Rocky Mountain Geographic Area and Bureau of Indian Affairs Forestry and Wildland Fire Management Pine Ridge Agency.