RAPID CITY, S.D. – A vehicle fire briefly slowed traffic and sparked a small grass fire along Highway 44 West on today, Monday, June 29th.

Motorists traveling near Rimrock Hill experienced minor delays around noon after a westbound vehicle apparently overheated and caught fire. The flames quickly spread to a patch of grass adjacent to the roadway.

Rapid City Fire Department Engine 5 was the first unit to arrive on the scene. Firefighters were quickly joined by personnel from the Johnson Siding Fire Department, who deployed Engine 3-9 and Tender 1-4 to assist with containment and water supply.

Crews successfully extinguished both the vehicle and the grass fire before the flames could spread further into the surrounding area. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported in connection with the incident, though the vehicle was considered a total loss.