Rosebud Sioux Tribe Volunteer Fire Department

05/11/2026

We are still in a burn ban 🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫

🔥🚩Red Flag Warning today, May 11th-14th

HOT, DRY, AND BREEZY WEEK AHEAD, WITH NEAR-CRITICAL TO CRITICAL FIRE WEATHER CONDITIONS BEGINNING TODAY...

A RED FLAG WARNING has been issued for the western South Dakota plains today...the first day of this pattern...due to a combination of hot afternoon temperatures of 85 to 95 degrees, low minimum afternoon relative humidities of 10 to 20 percent, and winds gusting as high as 30 to 40 MPH with a sudden shift from south to northwest winds during the afternoon and evening due to passage of a dry cold front. In this environment, any new fires could spread rapidly and be difficult to control.

🚫 NO open burning today. Burn ban is in place for Mellette County 🚫

AFFECTED AREA...Fire Weather Zones 322 Fall River County Area, 323 Northern Foot Hills, 324 Eastern Foot Hills, 325 Custer County Plains, 326 Pine Ridge Area, 327 Butte County Area, 328 Perkins County, 329 West Central Plains, 330 Ziebach County, 331 Haakon County Area, 332 Badlands Area, 333 Bennett County Area, 334 Mellette and Todd Counties, and 335 Tripp County.

* WINDS...South southwest 15 to 20 MPH with gusts up to 30 MPH, then switching to northwest 15 to 25 MPH with gusts up 40 MPH.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY...As low as 10 percent.

This red flag warning is in affect for the week‼️

05/07/2026

The Rosebud Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a runaway juvenile female, Shayonna Whipple, who was reported missing on 4-24-2026. Officers have already checked several locations known to be associated with the juvenile, but have been unable to locate her at this time. We are asking residents to remain alert and report any possible sightings or information regarding her whereabouts immediately. If you have information please contact RPD dispatch at 605-856-2282 or 911.

05/01/2026

The smoke visible is not within our immediate vicinity; it is attributed to a controlled burn located in the southeast area of Bennett County.

04/25/2026

Thank you to council rep Wayne Frederick, council rep Marion little thunder , Loretta Bartles and Wes Colombe. Marion and Loretta kept our firefighters fed , Wayne helped fight fire and arranged diesel fuel to be delivered to our trucks on scene Thursday, and Wes donated diesel fuel for the Friday fire. Our department was incharge of the west half of the fire , there was many other vfds on the east side, it started to rain and snow around 930 last night that was a big help! I just want to say our BIA wildland fire fighters had their hands full since Wednesday they are a bad ass crew!!!!!

We would also like to thank RST Ambulance Service! Thank you for your donations.

—Kenny Provencial RSTVFD Fire Chief.

04/24/2026

Thank you Loretta Bartles for the turnovers to our firefighters, Marion little thunder for the Gatorade and sandwiches for our firefighters also

04/23/2026

🔥 UPDATE: ACTIVE FIRE SITUATION – ROSEBUD AREA 🔥

As of now, multiple active fires are being tracked across the region, including areas south of the Rosebud Indian Reservation toward Valentine and west/northwest of the reservation.

Fire behavior remains active due to dry conditions and variable winds. Response efforts are ongoing with support from:

* Local Volunteer Fire Departments (VFDs)
* BIA Fire
* Tribal departments

⚠️ Public Safety Notice:

* Avoid affected areas and do not interfere with emergency operations
* No open burning until further notice
* Be prepared for possible road closures or detours
* Report any new fires or smoke immediately to dispatch

🚨 This is a rapidly evolving situation. We will provide additional updates as information becomes confirmed.

We appreciate the continued cooperation of the community and the dedication of all responding crews working to protect lives, land, and resources.

Stay alert. Stay ready.

— Rosebud Sioux Tribe Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP)

04/23/2026

We are currently battling 6 different fires in our area. BIA, and multiple volunteer crews have been out over the night and will continue in today.

04/20/2026

Does your community rely on volunteer firefighters… and do you even know?

Across the country, volunteers are the ones responding when the call comes in. 🚒❤️ This National Volunteer Week, we’re recognizing the impact they make every day.

If you’ve ever thought about stepping up or your department needs more members, Make Me A Firefighter can help connect you.

Start here: www.makemeafirefighter.org

04/17/2026

04/16/2026

The smoke west of Uppercutmeat is from the Lacreek refuge control burn in Bennett County.