Western South Dakota has battled inconsistent rainfall for years now, and the Black Hills are preparing for yet another fire season with an uncertain future.
However, looking at the data, state fire meteorologist Darren Clabo said be ready for a hot season.
“When we’re looking forward to April and May, odds are favoring warmer than average conditions through those two months, and then the potential for average to below average precipitation," Clabo said. "I do want to point out that roughly 50% of our precipitation comes in the months April, May, June, and the first few weeks of July.”
Clabo said that tallies to a potentially busy fire year for the Black Hills and across the country.
“No, we are not alone," Clabo said. "They’re having big fires all over the place. Us nationally, we’re not stressed for resources yet, but if this continues it’s going to be a very long fire season.”
Clabo adds we can all take steps to minimize fire risk as recreation season starts.
“We can’t control lightning and that will always start fires, but don’t be that source of ignition," Clabo said. "Pay attention to what you’re doing, act responsibly when you’re on the landscape. Let’s prevent fires before they start.”
Despite this, Clabo said he’s confident in South Dakota’s professional and volunteer firefighters, adding quote “they’re ready to rock.”