Deadwood, South Dakota Volunteer Fire Department

09/01/2026

This evening, Monday August 31st, at 6:33pm Deadwood Fire & Rescue was paged to a reported structure fire on Pillar Peak Place, rural Deadwood.

Firefighters were already enroute to their scheduled monthly training location when the call came in, and were able to respond directly to the scene. The Lead Fire Dept was also launched under auto aid.

First arriving fire units found a new construction home with a roll-off dumpster in the driveway fully involved.

The fire was quickly brought under control with water, and additional layers of foam were applied to help suppress and cool the materials within the dumpster.

After speaking to the contractor, it was determined that a staining crew had placed stain/oil soaked rags in the dumpster approximately 3 hours prior to the blaze. Spontaneous combustion of the soaked rags is the likely source of the dumpster fire.

This is another incident that could have been easily prevented, and could have been much worse than a dumpster of materials and a nearby tree.

Proper disposal of stain and oil soaked rags is EXTREMELY important! This is the second dumpster fire from oil/stain soaked rags in the area in the past month.

Deadwood Fire responded with Engine 1, Engine 2, Tender 9, Truck 4, and The Hawk.

Assisting Agencies:
Lead Fire Dept
Lawrence County Sheriffs Office

08/29/2026

Today, Friday August 28th, at 1:13pm Deadwood Fire & Rescue was paged to a reported structure fire on Lincoln Ave in Deadwood.

First arriving firefighters encountered a fully involved, detached covered patio. Crews stretched a line and were able to get a good knock down very quickly, however, Mutual Aid was requested from Lead.

In addition to the structure there was vegetation that ignited due to the proximity of structure. Several trees and some tall grasses ignited around the house.

Mt. Moriah Historic Cemetery was evacuated out of an abundance of caution.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

We need to stress that this incident could have been much worse. Crews were quick to arrive, as were crews from both state and federal partner resources. We are grateful for a big team effort!

Deadwood Engine 1, Engine 2, Brush 6, and Truck 4 responded with approximately 11 Firefighters.

Assisting Agencies:
Lead Fire Dept
US Forestry Fire
SD Wildland Fire
Deadwood Police Dept
Deadwood CSO’s
Deadwood Parking & Transportation
Lawrence County Emergency Mgmt
Montana Dakota Utilities
Black Hills Energy

08/21/2026

Please take a moment to read this excellent reader submitted article to the Rapid City Post.

It was a small pillar when I first saw it. Smoke. On the horizon. Not unusual in ranch country. But questionable this time of year, in these drier than

08/18/2026

Official Rally numbers for Deadwood Fire. Keep in mind we also had 3 additional injury accidents the day before the official start.

08/18/2026

Today, Monday August 17th, Deadwood Fire & Rescue was paged to rural Deadwood for the report of smoke.
Upon arrival fire crews were met by good samaritans that attempted to put the fire out with extinguishers from their work vehicle.
Crews hiked a short distance to the fire, and were able to quickly contain the wild land fire.
Crews used water bladder backpacks and Deadwood Brush 6 to control the incident.
Crews remained on scene for about 2 hours.
This incident was likely caused by lightning.

Assisting Agencies:
SD Wildland Fire
US Forestry
Spearfish Fire Dept
Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office
Black Hills Energy

*REMINDER*
Yes, we have had a small amount of rain, but our fire danger has not decreased and we expect it to increase further in the weeks ahead.

PLEASE DO NOT BURN!!!

08/17/2026

On Sunday August 16th at approximately 4pm Deadwood Fire & Rescue was paged to rural St. Onge for mutual aid request for water tender support for a large wildland incident.

Deadwood responded with two firefighters and The Hawk (Tactical Tender) and provided tender support and spot fire mop up.
The fire was contained at roughly 250 acres with the Deadwood crew on scene for 5 hours.

Additional responding agencies:

St. Onge Fire Dept
Spearfish Fire Dept
Whitewood Fire Dept
Belle Fourche Fire Dept
SD Wildland Fire
US Forest Service
Lawrence County Sheriffs Office
Lawrence County Emergency Mgmt

In addition to the responding agencies,
many neighboring ranchers pitched in to cut fire breaks, provided water as needed, and came to the scene with sloppy joes! A true community effort, we are proud to be a part of.

08/11/2026

There is NO OPEN BURNING ANYWHERE within the Deadwood Fire Protection District!

This means:

No Camp🔥
No Charcoal/Wood Fired Cooking
No Open Flame PERIOD

It’s sad that the calls we have had ARE NOT COMING FROM OUR VISITORS, rather Lawrence County RESIDENTS!!

Let’s do better neighbors!!!

Yesterday near Sturgis will give you a good idea of what can and will happen!!

08/10/2026

Well it’s Rally time. Deadwood Fire Dept has shirts,hats,patches and coins for sale. This will be going on through Rally. Money from the sales goes back to the volunteers. So stop by and get your hands on some Deadwood Fire Dept merchandise while you’re in the area.

08/09/2026

08/05/2026

A very special group from Black Hills Works stopped by the Deadwood Fire Station. On July 30th. This group has been going around visiting area fire stations in the Black Hills area. Thanks for stopping by. They were able to take a look at the fire trucks and visit with staff.