Large wildfire burning near White River

WHITE RIVER, S.D. - Several fire departments are battling a fast-moving wildfire just north of White River, South Dakota. According to the National Weather Service, satellite imagery shows the fire spread over ten miles in just three hours.

“Please keep your eyes peeled at the fire south of town. It is moving quickly and will probably be in our county soon. Be prepared,” Jones County Emergency Management wrote on Facebook.

Multiple agencies are on the scene, including the Mission Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Parmalee Volunteer Fire Department, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Volunteer Fire Department, and BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management. Fire departments from Mellette, Jones, Lyman, and Tripp counties are also providing assistance.

The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for the area due to the elevated fire danger. Other fires have been reported in the region, including near Okreek, South Dakota, and Chadron, Nebraska.