The public is invited to join local fire protection agencies for an afternoon of events to be held at Rapid City’s Main Street Square on Sunday, May 7, from 1–3 p.m.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May Wildfire Awareness Month in South Dakota. The purpose of this effort is to bring attention to the dangers of wildfires and how citizens can protect themselves and their communities from these events.
This year’s theme, “Be Ember Aware,” encourages members of the community to learn about the dangers of embers during a wildfire and what they can do to reduce the risk of fire to their homes.
The Main Street Square event will feature informative displays and children’s activities. Participants will be able to learn about wildfire risks and prevention methods. Activities will include:
- Match Stick Forest: This demonstration will show the importance of pre-fire mitigation for your property, including how slope, tree spacing and topography can affect fire behavior.
- Air Tanker Flying: Fly “tanker planes” which are used as a tool to fight wildfires and learn about how tankers are used in wildland firefighting.
- Dress Up Like A Firefighter: Gear up in fire safety equipment, then learn about tools local firefighters use to fight fires.
- Fire Truck Tours: Tour fire trucks and ask real wildland firefighters questions.
- Fire Shelter Station: See what a fire shelter is and why firefighters carry them.
- Smokey Bear Appearance: Get your photo taken with Smokey Bear.
- National Weather Service: Learn about how weather officials forecast fire weather and what conditions must exist for them to issue a Red Flag Warning.
