SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: June 28, 2016
Media Contact: Jim Strain, 605.393.8114

Be Safe with Fire this Independence Day

RAPID CITY S.D. — The South Dakota Department of Agriculture’s Wildland Fire Division is reminding people to use extreme caution when shooting off fireworks in areas of the state where conditions are dry.

Selling fireworks in South Dakota is legal until Monday, July 5. This year, it’s legal to discharge fireworks through Sunday, July 10.

SD Wildland Fire encourages you to follow these recommendations:
• Remember that fireworks are prohibited within the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District
• Don’t use fireworks where a fire could start
• Have quick access to water or water on hand to douse a fire should one start

“One small spark has the potential to start a wildfire,” said Jim Strain, deputy director of South Dakota Wildland Fire.

Other fire safety reminders include:
• Properly dispose of cigarettes
• Make sure campfires are "dead" out
• Travel and camp with a shovel and ample water
• Avoid parking vehicles in tall or dry grass

Fireworks are prohibited within in the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District, which is located in west central South Dakota.

In the Black Hills area, local, state and federal agencies have combined fire restriction information on one website at: http://www.blackhillsfirerestrictions.com. Contact information and website links can be found for each agency if questions arise.

Anyone who causes a wildland fire intentionally or through negligence can be held accountable for damage and suppression costs.

South Dakota Wildland Fire can be found on Twitter @SDWildlandFire and on Facebook by searching SD Wildland Fire.

Agriculture is a major contributor to South Dakota’s economy, generating $25.6 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 115,000 South Dakotans. The South Dakota Department of Agriculture's mission is to promote, protect, preserve and improve this industry for today and tomorrow. Visit us online at http://sdda.sd.gov or find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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