South Dakota Department of Agriculture

News Release

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2014

Media Contact: Jeni Lawver, 605.381.7232

South Dakota Observes Wildfire Awareness Week May 2-10, 2014

RAPID CITY, S.D.—Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed May 2-10, 2014, as Wildfire Awareness Week in South Dakota. 

Firefighters alone can’t protect property. Every citizen, especially those living in fire-prone areas, has an important role in preventing loss of life and property from wildfire events.

This week is intended to raise awareness of the dangers of wildfires and how citizens can protect themselves and their communities from these potentially devastating events. 

This year’s campaign theme “Do Your Part Before the Wildfire Starts” encourages homeowners to take simple steps to minimize the impacts of wildland fire. 

During Wildfire Awareness Week, agencies are hosting events to raise awareness about wildland fire safety, preparedness, mitigation and prevention. 

South Dakota Wildland Fire Division has partnered with the Black Hills National Forest, Rapid City Fire Department, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Pennington County Fire Service, Great Plains Fire Safe Council, Silver City Volunteer Fire Department, Whispering Pines Volunteer Fire Department and North Haines Volunteer Fire Department. 

To see what is happening in various communities, visit our calendar of events at: www.gpfiresafecouncil.com.  For more information, contact Jeni Lawver at jeni.lawver@state.sd.us or 605.393.8011.

Agriculture is South Dakota's No. 1 industry, generating nearly $21 billion in annual economic activity and employing over 122,000 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 follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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