Watertown Fire Rescue gifted vital rescue equipment

Watertown-based Agwrx Cooperative this week donated two sets of grain tubes to Watertown Fire Rescue. The tubes will be used to rescue people trapped in grain bins. According to Watertown Fire Rescue, grain entrapment/engulfment rescues can be labor and resource intensive. The tubes will help rescuers and victims in surrounding communities as well. Lanny Kirsch, general manager of Agwrx, told KXLG News that grain entrapment is a big issue, especially for family farms. Grain entrapment, or grain engulfment, occurs when a person becomes submerged in grain and can’t get out without assistance. Entrapment occurs when victims are partially submerged but cannot remove themselves; engulfment occurs when they are completely buried within the grain.
KXLG-FM 99.1 Watertown

Prescribed burn near Hermosa scheduled by South Dakota Wildland Fire

SD Wildland Fire is planning a prescribed burn Thursday, May 16 about 5 miles west of Hermosa and north of Highway 40. The burn, covering about 13 acres of grassy terrain, is expected to be completed within a day. Crews will remain on-site afterward to mop up and monitor until the fire is fully extinguished. The objectives of the burn include improving wildlife habitat, promoting future growth of present fuel models by reducing the built-up thatch layer, and providing safe and quality training for firefighting staff. Weather conditions will be closely monitored to ensure they align with the burn objectives. Smoke may be visible in surrounding areas and could persist for several days after the prescribed burn is concluded. Fire crews will maintain and monitor fire lines for public and firefighter safety.
KNBN-TV NBC/MyNetworkTV/YTA TV 21 Rapid City