Burn Permits Open within the Black Hills Fire Protection District

RAPID CITY S.D.— Winter burning season burn permits are now being issued for the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.

The permits are only valid to use for burning slash piles when there is continuous snow cover around the pile, the depth of the snow is at least 2 inches and winds are less than 15 mph at the burn site. Permits are valid from the day the permit is obtained until March 31, 2017, and are free of charge.

Residents within the open counties in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District may apply for a burn permit online athttp://sd.gov/burnpermits. They will need to know what county they will be burning in and the name of the local fire department.

The burn permit system informs fire managers where burning activities are occurring, reducing the number of false runs to fires and saving firefighting resources for instances when they are truly needed. It also enables firefighters to respond more quickly to fires that escape, potentially reducing the liability of the burner.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division encourages residents to closely monitor the weather for your area before burning. Weather fluctuations, such as sudden gusts of wind, could spark a wildfire. Call your local fire department the day you plan to burn to ensure adequate conditions.

For more information and frequently asked questions, please visit the South Dakota Wildland Fire website athttp://wildlandfire.sd.gov/burnpermits/burnpermits.aspx. South Dakota Wildland Fire can be found on Twitter @SDWildlandFire and on Facebook by searching SD Wildland Fire.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit SDDA online at http://sdda.sd.gov, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or subscribe to SD Ag Chat podcasts through Google Play Music or iTunes.

Burning Permits in the Black Hills May Open Later This Month

Rapid City, S.D.- Forecasted winter conditions with snow may allow the South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division to open up the burn permit season for the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District starting the weekend of Nov. 19.

Wildland Fire deputy director Jim Strain says, “Depending on snow cover conditions, we may just open up the Northern Black Hills for the season, and wait for more favorable conditions before opening up the rest of the rest of the Black Hills for burn permits.”

Normally, the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District is opened for permitted burns starting Nov. 1, however abnormally warm and dry conditions pushed that date back this year. Temporary burn permits for either slash pile or debris burning may be obtained at www.sd.gov/burnpermits  Burn permits obtained on-line are good through the March 31 expiration date.

Burning without a permit in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District is class II misdemeanor and could result in $125 fine.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s mission is to promote, protect and preserve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.