Watertown Fire Rescue Aids Florence Fire Department in Containing Wildland Fire Amid Strong Winds

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Watertown Fire Rescue assisted the Florence Fire Department on Thursday after a wildland fire broke out south of 164th Street and 451st Avenue, according to a media release from WFR.

Crews were dispatched after a 911 caller reported a fire roughly a half‑mile south of the highway. As units approached, firefighters saw smoke rising from a grove of trees in the area. Upon arrival, they found about one acre burning both in and around the grove. The release notes, “Strong south-southwest winds, with gusts up to 44 mph, created challenging fire conditions.”

Watertown Fire Rescue supported suppression efforts, mop‑up, and water supply operations while the Florence Fire Department maintained command of the incident within its jurisdiction. The fire was contained, and all WFR units later returned to service. Florence firefighters remained on scene with the landowner to monitor for flare‑ups.

WFR is reminding the public to use caution during dry and windy conditions, as the risk of fast‑moving fires increases significantly.

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