Rapidly Spreading Grass Fire Contained Near Lake Poinsett Saturday Afternoon

Northeast Radio SD News – Lake Poinsett, SD - A fast‑moving grass fire near Northwest Lake Drive and SD Highway 28 was brought under control Saturday afternoon after firefighters from multiple departments worked for nearly two hours to stop the flames from reaching nearby homes.

According to the Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office, the fire was reported at 1:22 p.m. on April 18 after a 911 caller saw a large field fire spreading quickly toward the southeast.

The Lake Norden Fire Department and Hamlin County Sheriff’s Office were first on scene and found the fire advancing rapidly due to strong northwest-to-west winds. With a couple of homes in the fire’s path, responders requested additional support from the Estelline Fire Department.

Deputies and firefighters checked nearby residences to ensure no evacuations were needed. No one was home at the time.

Crews established a defensive line along Northwest Lake Drive to keep the fire from crossing the roadway and threatening structures. The blaze continued to push forward but was ultimately stopped at the north edge of Lake Poinsett, preventing further spread.

Firefighters remained on scene for roughly two hours before the fire was fully contained.

The cause has been determined to be a tractor baler, according to the sheriff’s office. Several hay bales, wildland grasses, and a tractor were damaged. No injuries or structural damage were reported. The Lake Norden Ambulance responded as a precaution and provided support for fire crews.