SEPTEMBER 17, 2024: Firefighters are still dealing with 90+ degree heat and gusty winds as they work to extinguish the Power Dam Road Fire northwest of White River in south-central South Dakota. Diane Mann-Klager is a Natural Resource Officer and a Public Information Officer for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. She says nearly 100 firefighters from federal, state and local agencies have the fire 60% contained. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/091824-power1.mp3 Mann-Klager appreciates the help area farmers, ranchers and volunteer fire departments have provided because all levels of firefighting resources are spread out across the country. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/091824-power2.mp3 Mann-Klager says this time of year is typically a dry time of year in South Dakota. With the recent 90-some-degree temperatures and 10-20mph winds, she’s urging people to be diligent about fire prevention and safety. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/091824-power3.mp3 She says any major updates on the Power Dam Road Fire will be posted on the BIA Forestry & Wildland Fire Management – Rosebud Agency Facebook page. https://media-cdn.socastsrm.com/wordpress/wp-content/blogs.dir/2626/files/2024/09/091824-power4.mp3 The fire started Thursday (Sept. 12, 2024, 1pm) afternoon and has burned 15,320 acres. The cause of the Power Dam Road Fire is under investigation.   SEPTEMBER 13, 2024: MELLETTE COUNTY, S.D. – Firefighters from several area teams worked yesterday and through the night to try to contain a massive grass fire that broke out Thursday afternoon (Sept. 12, 2024) along the White River in northwestern Mellette County. Fueled by 90 degree heat and wind gusts that approached 50 miles per hour, the Power Dam Road Fire spread rapidly during the afternoon hours. The blaze was centered in the river bottom on the south bank of the White River, but was able to jump the river and spread further northward. A statement from the Department of Public Safety issued last night mentioned that the town of Okaton along Interstate 90 was evacuated as a precautionary measure, while local authorities urged residents of Belvidere and Murdo and other areas along I-90 to also stay informed and ready to clear out if necessary. A DPS spokesman has said this morning that fire crews were able to hold off the fire near Okaton, at least for the time being. Weather forecasts for today call for temperatures in the mid-80’s and lesser wind gusts. Winds are forecast to shift out of the northwest this afternoon, but could still gust to 25 mph. The DPS also said the firefighting effort has been helped by local farmers, ranchers and citizens who worked to shuttle water and create fire lines with heavy equipment. Further updates will be provided as they become available. The annual Jones Co. Homecoming pancake feed provided by the volunteer firefighters has been postponed. (Trey Stroup alongside a fellow firefighter battling the blaze) Story Provided by Brian Oakland. Pictures provided by Trey Stroup.