Fire destroys Senior Living Complex in Kyle

KYLE — A devastating early morning fire tore through a senior living complex in Kyle on Wednesday, leaving the structure a total loss and displacing dozens of residents. According to the Kyle Volunteer Fire Department, crews were called to the blaze shortly after 4 a.m., where they arrived to find the building fully engulfed. High winds sweeping across the area intensified the flames and made suppression efforts difficult.

First responders rescued one man from the burning structure. He was transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries. No fatalities have been reported, but the destruction has left families and elders without homes, belongings, or essential items.

Oglala Sioux Tribe Emergency Management (OST EM) reported receiving the initial call around 5:30 a.m. “Multiple agencies and volunteer fire departments responded and are still on scene,” the agency stated. “All residents were evacuated to safety. Heavy winds spread this fire through the complex swiftly.” OST EM confirmed that both short-term and long-term shelter arrangements are underway in coordination with local partners, the Red Cross, and community organizations.

A donation center has been established at the Oyate Teca Project in Kyle. Those wishing to donate or seeking information can contact Rose Fraser at 605 441 9892 (cell) or 605 408 5634 (office).

Little Wound School Steps In

Little Wound School dismissed students at 1 p.m. to focus on assisting affected families. Staff immediately mobilized to provide shelter, food, and emergency support.

“Today tragedy hit our community and everyone is working to get organized and get those relatives of ours the help they need,” the school shared. “Pilamayaye to our Taopi Cikala staff who jumped into action from the moment we received the emergency call from OST EMS Steve Wilson Sr.”

The school served lunch to displaced residents and opened its auditorium for donations until 4 p.m., after which items were transferred to Oyate Teca. Nurses remain available on site for community members needing medical support.

Requested donations include: adult and children’s clothing, diapers, underwear, socks, electronics, blankets and pillows, personal hygiene items, medical supplies such as cough drops, cold medicine, rubbing alcohol pads, bandages, and gauze,

Residents who receive SNAP benefits and lost food in the fire can complete replacement forms available at the school auditorium.

Okini Market Assisting Families

The Okini Market in Porcupine announced it is open and providing clothing and household items at no charge to those affected. “Up to 100 people have lost everything,” organizers said. “This is why your donations are so important to us.”

The Market is requesting winter coats, baby bottles, diapers, kitchenware, coffee pots, slow cookers, hot plates, air fryers, and mattresses. Donations can be shipped to:

The Okini Market 2246 Indian Route 27 Porcupine, SD 57772 www.onespiritlakota.org

Community Voices

A video of the fire, recorded and shared on Facebook by Celestine Stadnick, captured the scale of the destruction. “I hate to post this because this morning was one of the most traumatic events of some people’s lives,” she wrote, “but the world needs to know that our community’s only apartment complex burned down today. We don’t have enough housing as is, and we cannot afford losing more.”

Red Cross and Emergency Partners Respond

The American Red Cross confirmed that volunteers are assisting the 22 evacuated units. “Our immediate focus is ensuring residents have support for essential needs such as shelter, food, and physical and emotional health,” the organization stated. “We will continue working alongside community partners to keep everyone safe amid extreme cold and high winds.”

Tea Storm Chasers also reported that one individual was transported to a hospital for treatment, with the extent of injuries still unknown.

A Community Rallies Together

Despite the bitter winds and dangerous conditions, local residents, school staff, tribal leaders, nonprofits, and volunteers have united to support those who lost their homes. Emergency services transitioned to the Oyate Teca Gym at 4 p.m., where Prairie Ranch is serving supper and the Red Cross has set up showers.

OST Emergency Management thanked the community for its swift response: “Thank you to all the local residents for helping families in immediate need. We will update as things change.”

(Contact Ernestine Anunkasan Hopa at editor@nativesunnews.today)

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