Fall River County, South Dakota
906 N. River Street, Hot Springs, SD 57747
The NWS Weather Forecast Office in Rapid City is making some changes to the Public Weather Forecast zones in our area. The purpose of these changes is to provide more accurate headlines for winter and non-precipitation hazards. These changes will go into effect September 19th. See NWS article for more information: https://www.weather.gov/unr/Public_Zone_Change2023
The Fall River County Highway Department is seeking to fill a full-time Mechanic position with Full Benefits. Starting wage is $20-21/HR DOE. A successful applicant must possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to work on and maintain Highway Equipment and must possess a valid South Dakota CDL Class A License. Please apply at the Fall River County Highway Department office at 27518 Cascade Rd, Hot Springs, SD 57747 or call 605-745-5137. OPEN UNTIL FILLED.
The Fall River County Extension/4H office is seeking an administrative assistant. Applicants must be able to mutli-task, have excellent customer service, organizational, computer and written/verbal communications skills. Starting salary is $15.00-$16.00 (DOE). Work day is from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Position has full benefits: health insurance, SD retirement, annual & sick leave.
See employment page for more information and application
The Treasurer’s Office is hiring an administrative assistant. See the Employment Tab for full job announcement.
The county burn ban is lifted. What does that mean for fireworks? It is important to know that there are many burn bans issued by overlapping jurisdictions. State and Federal entities have burn bans and firework restrictions on various areas of Fall River County. Even with the county issued burn ban revoked, over 60% of Fall River County is still prohibited from open fires and fireworks.
State law 34-37-11 prohibits fireworks and pyrotechnics within 300 feet of the Black Hills Protection District. The portion of the district lying in Fall River County includes all lands that lay north of the Cheyenne River AND west of SD Highway 79. Fires in this area are allowed only with a permit.
The same State law prohibits fireworks on land within any national forest, national park, state forest, or on land owned or leased by the Department of Game, Fish and Parks. A violation of this law is a Class 2 misdemeanor. A second or subsequent violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.
This restriction of fires and fireworks on public lands is reinforced by restrictions issued by the Federal and State entities managing them. The Black Hills National Forest, Buffalo Gap National Grasslands, GF&P, and other entities have permanent restrictions on fireworks. Fireworks are not allowed, ever, regardless of holidays or weather conditions. Fires are allowed only in designated recreation areas.
The map below shows the areas in white that do not have a burn ban.
So where can you shoot fireworks? On private land south of the Cheyenne River OR east of SD Highway 79 with the landowner’s permission. The municipalities of Hot Springs and Edgemont also allow some fireworks depending on weather conditions. See the city websites or county website fireworks post for details. Be aware that failure to control or report dangerous fire is a Class 1 Misdemeanor while Reckless burning or exploding is a Class 4 felony. These charges can be applied when fire or explosions are endangering life or a substantial amount of property. You may also be held financially responsible for any fire suppression costs if a fire becomes out of control.
So, if you intend to enjoy this 4th of July with fireworks please take some precautions. Don’t wait for a fire to start to find your garden hose; have a bucket of water, a garden hose or fire extinguisher ready. Having a couple shovels around to throw dirt on the start of a grass fire can also be effective until it can be doused. Trim the vegetation in areas where you are shooting fireworks and wet the area before and after. Clean out your gutters and clear away dry yard debris. Don’t shoot off fireworks near a house or other structure.
Regarding fireworks, please call dispatch only if you need the fire department or are willing to sign a complaint for charges against an individual you believe to be in violation of the law or city ordinance.
