The Black Hills, in western South Dakota and northeastern Wyoming, consists of 1.2 million acres of forested hills and mountains, approximately 110 miles long and 70 miles wide. The Forest is a multiple-use Forest with activities ranging from timber production, grazing, to hiking, camping, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, mining, wildlife viewing, and many others. Christmas tree permits are sold at all offices.

www.gpfireinfo.blogspot.com A blog that is an interagency effort by federal and state agencies in the Great Plains geographical area. The agencies that support this site are the Black Hills National Forest, Nebraska National Forest and Grasslands, and South Dakota Wildland Fire Division. This is the official site for information about initial attack fire incidents within the Great Plains Dispatch Zone. This site is updated as often as new information is available from individual forests, state lands, tribal lands, and other agencies. The aim is to provide one website where the best available information and links to fire and fire restrictions can be accessed.

High winds left widespread damage across the Black Hills. In addition to this storm, there is the Greyhound Fire. Pennington County has information HERE. All requests for non-emergency assistance should be routed to the Red Cross at 605-342-4010 Greyhound Fire SD Hwy 40 is open to public traffic. Please be advised that firefighters and emergency vehicles are still actively working along the roadway. Public safety officials urge drivers to avoid this route unless absolutely necessary to ensure the safety of the crews on the scene." Containment continues High Wind Event There are still large numbers of people in the area without power. Power may not be fully restored until Sunday (3 days). Check on neighbors and loved ones, especially older adults or those who may need extra help. Consider staying with friends or family who have power - especially if you have electricity-dependent medical devices. Limit opening refrigerators/freezers - a full freezer may stay frozen 12-48 hours, but refrigerated food may reach unsafe temperatures in as little as 4 hours. Pay attention to the weather forecast for your location and know what freezing temps may mean for you if you don't have power. Downed trees and power lines, power outages, icy roads sometimes blocked by debris from high winds remain a problem in Pennington County. - If using a portable generator, please see safety considerations HERE Assume any downed powerline is energized, do not try to remove debris if it is laying on a power line. The Keystone Senior Center (517 1st St.) has power and is open to serve local residents. Storm Damage - Click HERE to access a form that will allow you to report damage to your home or business from the December 18th high wind event Large trees and other items damaged in the storm should be brought to the Rapid City Landfill Two remote tree debris disposal sites will be open from 7:00am - 4:00pm, Thursday, December 18, 2025 - Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Floyd Fitzgerald Stadium and West Boulevard North. These sites are meant for residential tree debris only.