FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2025

Contact: Josie Harms

Gov. Rhoden Issues Executive Order to Support Wildland Fire

PIERRE, S.D. –  Today, Governor Larry Rhoden signed Executive Order 2025-03, which supports the firefighting efforts of South Dakota Wildland Fire (SDWF). The Executive Order provides standing authorization for South Dakota National Guard resources, including Black Hawk helicopters, to be deployed in support of SDWF firefighting efforts.

“During a fire, every second counts, and red tape shouldn’t stand in the way of saving lives,” said Governor Larry Rhoden. “This order will allow our National Guard to support firefighters to keep South Dakotans safe and our communities strong.”

The order mirrors similar actions by Former Governors Dennis Daugaard and Kristi Noem, including Executive Order 2018-08 and Section 2 of Executive Order 2020-28.

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