2202 University Ave
Hot Springs, SD 57747
F: 605-393-8044
Fire Management Officer: John Haskvitz
P: 605.910.4420
Assistant Fire Management Officer: Seth Stevens
P: 605.910.4456
The Hot Springs District Office is responsible for managing state wildland fires for Fall River and a portion of Custer County. The office was established in the 1960s and hosts 5 seasonal engine crew members.
District Office Overview
There are significant acreages of privately owned land as well as state-owned land in both Custer and Fall River counties.
Fall River and Custer Counties have some of the most difficult areas in the state to access wildland fires. There are many places where road access of any type is very limited. There are times where crews have to be transported by helicopter into remote fires. In the 2012 fire season Smoke Jumpers were used on two different fires in Fall River County.
Both Custer and Fall River Counties have seen an increase in retirement age residents moving into the area, which has increased the amount of Wildland Urban Interface areas due to development of new rural subdivisions.
The Hot Springs Field Office staffs two Type 6 wildland engines and one Type 4 wildland engine.