The Hill City Volunteer Fire Department is reminding residents and visitors that campfires are still allowed on private property in Pennington County, provided a valid campfire permit has been obtained.
Fire officials say Pennington County has not enacted a countywide burn ban, even as neighboring counties continue to operate under fire restrictions.
According to the department, campfires on private land remain legal with the proper permit. However, officials note that fire bans are currently in effect in Custer and Meade counties, while Stage 2 fire restrictions remain in place on U.S. Forest Service lands, including national forest campgrounds.
The department is encouraging anyone with questions about campfire permits to contact South Dakota Wildland Fire for guidance.
Officials are also asking the public not to call 911 to report campfires at private campgrounds that are operating legally under current regulations.
The Hill City Volunteer Fire Department says it will continue monitoring fire conditions and will provide updates if fire danger increases or if Pennington County adopts additional restrictions.
