Wildfire — Dewey, South Dakota

2025-03-20 · Dewey, South Dakota

Event narrative

A semi trailer with hay caught on fire east of LaPlant resulting in an approximately 290 acre burn that consumed mainly grassland. A peak wind gust of 25 mph was recorded at the nearby South Dakota Department of Transportation weather station.

Wider weather episode

Departing high pressure created a stiff south breeze, with mild temperatures and low humidity. Drought conditions continued well into the month, and the combination of hot dry weather and dry fuels resulted in fires across north central and northeast South Dakota. The largest of these fires was approximately 1285 acres, 3 miles west of Sunset Colony in Marshall county, while a 290 acre fire ignited near La Plant in Dewey county.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1237193. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.