RAPID CITY — A leader in the fight against a wildfire near South Dakota’s second largest city said Wednesday morning he’s less concerned, even as work to contain the fire continues.

“My comfort level is a lot higher now than it was yesterday,” said Brandon Sanchez, the U.S. Forest Service official who serves as incident commander.

The First Thunder Fire began Monday evening in a rocky and forested area cut by deep canyons in the Black Hills, several miles west of Rapid City. Since then, crews of local, state and federal firefighters have worked to keep the flames from spreading toward residential areas on the city’s western edge.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause, Sanchez said. The fire is burning an area of the Black Hills National Forest that’s mixed with parcels of private land. There have been no reports of injuries or damaged structures.

Some road closures remained in effect Wednesday morning, as did a flight restriction aimed at preventing drones and other aircraft from interfering with helicopters and tanker planes used by firefighters.

Authorities are asking those who live near the fire to stay prepared in case they’re ordered to leave, said Lt. Jason Mitzel of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

“Right now we’re not doing any evacuations, and it doesn’t look like there’s going to be a need for any evacuations,” he said. “However, whenever there’s an incident like this, we always just ask people to be prepared in case that time may come.”

The estimate of the fire’s size Wednesday morning was 155 acres, only 5 acres larger than Tuesday’s estimate. About 150 firefighting personnel were on the scene.

Sanchez said firefighters have established a perimeter around the fire. The perimeter consists of earthen lines dug by hand or bulldozer, and also includes manmade and natural fire breaks such as roads and rocky outcrops. Tanker planes have dropped retardant chemicals ahead of the fire’s advance, and helicopters have dropped water.

Despite those efforts, estimated containment of the fire remained at 0%. That’s because fire remained close to the lines in some areas, and firefighters were working to knock those flames down. Sanchez said an updated containment estimate would probably be issued later Wednesday.

Weather remains a wild card. Clouds gathering Wednesday over the Black Hills were expected to bring helpful rain, but Sanchez said firefighters were also monitoring potential thunderstorms that could produce fire-fueling wind.

Sept. 2-3, 2024, images of the First Thunder Fire just west of Rapid City.

Sioux Falls Jefferson has entered the top five in 11AAA in the latest South Dakota Prep Media football poll for the week of Sept. 2.

They take the place of Washington, who fell to Brandon Valley 20-7. In 11AA Tea Area fell out of the top five with an upset loss to Spearfish. Canton and Sioux Falls Christian remain atop 11A after wins in Week One while West Central was dropped from the top five.

The South Dakota Prep Media football poll for the week of Sept. 2 is listed below, ranking the top-five teams in each class, record, total points and previous ranking. First-place votes received are indicated in parentheses. 

Class 11AAA

1. Harrisburg (17) 1-0 104 1

2. Lincoln (5) 1-0 90 2

3. Brandon Valley 1-0 66 3

4. O’Gorman 0-1 33 4

5. Jefferson 1-0 28 RV

Receiving votes: Washington 6, Roosevelt 3. 

More: South Dakota high school football: Harrisburg earns ‘redemption’ in 14-0 Dakota Bowl win over O’Gorman

Class 11AA

1. Pierre (21) 1-0 109 1

2. Yankton (1) 1-0 89 2

3. Spearfish 1-0 47 NR

4. Watertown 0-1 26 4

5. Aberdeen Central 0-1 22 5

Receiving votes: Tea Area 18, Brookings 10, Mitchell 9. 

Class 11A

1. Canton (13) 1-0 99 1

2. SF Christian (8) 1-0 93 T2

3. Dakota Valley 1-0 51 RV

4. Lennox (1) 1-0 48 5

5. RC Christian 0-1 14 RV

Receiving votes: Dell Rapids 13, Tri-Valley 8, Madison 2, West Central 2. 

More: Sioux Falls Christian football makes a statement in ‘historic’ 42-13 win over West Central

Class 11B

1. Winner (16) 2-0 103 1

2. Elk Point-Jefferson (4) 1-0 89 2

3. Sioux Valley (2) 1-0 69 3

4. Woonsocket/Wessington Springs/Sanborn Central 2-0 47 4

5. Beresford 2-0 13 RV

Receiving votes: Mount Vernon/Plankinton 5, Wagner 3, Hot Springs 1. 

Class 9AA

1. Parkston (18) 2-0 106 1

2. Hamlin (4) 2-0 91 2

3. Elkton-Lake Benton 2-0 64 3

4. Hill City 2-0 30 RV

5. Viborg-Hurley 1-1 18 5

Receiving votes: Hanson 8, Kimball/White Lake 6, Freeman/Marion/Freeman Academy 5, Bennett County 2. 

Class 9A

1. Howard (21) 2-0 109 1

2. Wall (1) 2-0 81 2

3. Warner 2-0 69 3

4. Wolsey-Wessington 2-0 48 4

5. Harding County/Bison 1-1 13 5

Receiving votes: Alcester-Hudson 5, Gayville-Volin 3, Chester 1. 

More: Vote now for the Argus Leader Athlete of the Week from Aug. 26-Sep. 1

Class 9B

1. Avon (22) 2-0 110 1

2. Faulkton Area 1-0 73 2

3. Corsica-Stickney 2-0 67 3

4. Dell Rapids St. Mary 2-0 46 4

5. Sully Buttes 2-0 14 RVReceiving votes: Kadoka Area 8, Canistota 6, Herreid/Selby Area 6. 

The antidote to the rat race, with all its traffic nightmares and hard-to-beat deadlines, is a weekend trip to a quaint, slow-paced spot where the air is fresh and playful, a town with charm-soaked streets and a laid-back atmosphere. Unfortunately, with the developments taking place in many towns in the country, such spots are becoming fewer and far between. Trust the Midwest, however, to surprise you with its array of laid-back towns and warm, welcoming communities. Ready to switch to a relaxing mode? The following towns in South Dakota beckon.

Brookings

Although Brookings is just an hour north of Sioux Falls, it beats to a much slower, leisurely rhythm. It is home to South Dakota State University, the largest higher-education institution in South Dakota. Most of the time, students just want to have fun learning — even as they explore the entertainment and cultural landscape of an area. To an extent, this accounts for the homey and relaxed atmosphere in Brookings. The town features some nice bike paths for cruising along, restaurants that serve a delicious range of cuisine, and a commercial historic district with many buildings predating the Great Depression. With its luxury reclining seats, Brookings Cinema is a cozy space to catch new releases on wall-to-wall screens. There is the Children’s Museum of South Dakota as well, housed in a 1936 school. Other attractions include the nearby Brookings County Museum and the Brookings Arts Council, which displays works of local artists.

Vermillion

Vermillion is a lovely college town that is homey, laid-back, and welcoming. If you are scoping for a yummy eatery that any local will easily give a nod to, Café Brulé is what you have in mind. From its friendly atmosphere to its outstanding desserts to its ample parking, it will be difficult to find fault with this Main Street establishment. That said, one can sip her way through the town during the Great Dakota Wine Fest, enjoy a soul-moving sonnet during the South Dakota Shakespeare Festival, and savor local tunes when Thursdays on the Platz come around. A one-day visit can commence with a hearty breakfast at the Bean Community Coffeehouse, then marveling at the most extensive collection of natural and cultural history in South Dakota at the W. H. Over Museum before catching an afternoon show at Coyote Twin Theater.

Madison

Madison is yet another college town that seems unbothered by the rat race — and is just enjoying life on the low and slow side most of the time. With Lake Herman on the west and Lake Madison on the east, there are ample opportunities for getting out and enjoying nature’s pristine beauty. With just $5, one will enjoy a movie at the Dakota Cinema, situated on the west side of town. Wondering how to crown the day? How about a yummy burrito deluxe chicken at Los Tapatios, a family-owned establishment that serves authentic Mexican cuisine? If spending the night and looking for a quiet, nature-themed experience, grab a rustic cabin at the nearby Lake Herman State Park.

Deadwood

If there is a South Dakota town that does not need any introduction, especially in the nation’s vacation landscape, it will have to be Deadwood. With its Old West legends (think of Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane) — historic sites, and awe-inspiring architecture — this 19th-century gold rush town often leaves first-time visitors spoilt for choice. Its setting in the northern region of the Black Hills, in a canyon formed by Whitewood Creek, gives it a nice, laid-back backdrop most movie directors would swoon over. There is the Mount Moriah Cemetery, where the body of Wild Bill rests. Wild Bill helped bring order to the Wild West, albeit many times through unconventional means. Look for his revered pistol at Adams Museum, before heading over to Saloon #10, where visitors witness a re-creation of his shooting. What’s more? Try panning gold at Broken Boot Gold Mine, as you relive the everyday life of a 19th-century miner.

Yankton

Yankton is heaven, especially if one loves camping — or a camping-based vacation. From the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area to Cottonwood Campground to the Yankton / Missouri River KOA Journey, this cute, laid-back town provides an experience most towns will struggle to match. Plus, it is right on the Missouri River, whose rustic ambiance rubs off on the town. An outdoor enthusiast will enjoy a world of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities, whether fishing, boating, or hiking. There are some nice bike paths one will enjoy zipping along — as well as Riverboat Days, the ultimate Yankton festival. If you think Yankton already has enough, wait until you hear that it boasts some of the best disc golf courses in the state.

Watertown

It could be because of its location in rural South Dakota, but whatever the reason; Watertown is a friendly, laid-back community that first-time visitors often find endearing and charming. You will love many things here, including the Redlin Art Center, which many believe is the town’s cream of the crop. The center displays many works of Terry Redlin, one of America’s most popular wildlife artists. For avid movie-goers, however, there is the Odyssey Grand 8 Theater, loved for its comfortable reclining seats, clean environment, and amazing sound system. That said, the award for the best whole-family entertainment venue in Northeast South Dakota goes to Thunder Road. They have go-karts, a mini golf course, an arcade, and a fun, lovely atmosphere.

Spearfish

It does not matter who you ask. Spearfish is among the most loveable and lively towns in South Dakota. Life is slow-paced here and laid-back — while the environment is authentic and unassuming. Expect lovely biking trails, some unexpectedly good restaurants, a walkable downtown area, a fairly good music scene, and a delightful range of outdoor fun and adventure opportunities, especially in the surrounding Black Hills region. You will enjoy the trails at Spearfish Canyon Disc Golf Course, a hearty breakfast at Green Bean (it is on Main Street), plus good wine and good music at Spearfish Creek Wine Bar, a lively space with a fun outdoor area. If you want to be with the wind, the trees, and the azure sky, Lookout Mountain Trail features a cool stroll underneath the interstate — and serves beautiful views of downtown Spearfish.

The Takeaway

You know it; the craving to look for a peaceful spot where you can move at a much slower pace, if just to experience a rebirth and regain your serenity. For such an experience, the Midwest can just be what the doctor ordered. And it is not just about the Wild West history or the charming streets. It is something to do with the character of the towns; how they are authentic and laid-back. They don’t care if you have bills to pay. They will just somehow slow you down. For specific recommendations, check out the towns highlighted here, from Brookings to Spearfish.