Things are replaceable, you are not

EAGLE BUTTE – Security, safety, community, and strength were central themes on March 10, 2025, as the Takini School administration, students, residents, and firefighters from a 100-mile radius united to combat the Route 13 fire. Evacuations were initiated, but the Takini School and community ultimately remained unharmed.

The wildfire ignited due to unseasonably high temperatures, arid conditions, and winds reaching 40 mph, rapidly consuming 20,000 acres near communities such as Bridger, Cherry Creek, Red Scaffold, and Takini. Smoke was reported as far away as Pine Ridge, 120 miles distant.

Around 10:15 a.m. MT, two fires were reported along BIA Rt. 13, which later merged into the Route 13 Fire. The Northside Fire was identified shortly after at 10:49 a.m. Wind conditions and fire behavior necessitated evacuations of Takini School and the surrounding community, with a temporary shelter established in nearby Cherry Creek. Students and other residents were bused to the Cherry Creek Blue Gym, and classes were canceled for March 11.

Firefighting Response

Initial firefighting efforts were led by the Enning Volunteer Fire Department, supported by BIA Wildland Fire resources and volunteer departments from Dupree, Eagle Butte, Faith, Isabel, and Timber Lake. Additional help came from neighboring regions, including crews from Glad Valley, Milesville, Philip, Plainview, Sturgis, and Vale. By nightfall, firefighting teams were still on scene, and officials anticipated ongoing efforts to monitor hot spots for several days.

By 9:30 a.m. MT on March 11, InciWeb reported that 20,000 acres were impacted, with the blaze being 20% contained. Emergency responders collaborated to address the unfolding crisis, showcasing the strength of community solidarity.

Community Mobilization

The Takini School Facebook page quickly became a conduit for communication. At 10:47 a.m., a post informed the community of the immediate evacuation, prioritizing student safety. Following this, at 11:22 a.m., urgent calls for assistance were made to local ranchers and community members for aid in firefighting efforts. Several farmers quickly responded and contributed their resources.

By 12:08 p.m. MT, another post emphasized the need for evacuation, stating, “things are replaceable; you are not.” The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Chairman, Ryman LeBeau, reinforced the evacuation order, ensuring that student safety was prioritized.

As night fell, Takini School administration expressed gratitude for the support received from Cheyenne-Eagle Butte School, highlighting the unity and strength of the community amid the crisis. Meanwhile, the Timber Lake Topic urged people to stay clear of the area to minimize disruptions to emergency response operations.

Capacities Under Strain

Frank Beum, a retired regional forester, emphasized in testimony regarding recent federal budget cuts to fire personnel that “it takes a village to fight a fire.” Such cuts have come at a time when heat and drought are exacerbating fire risks across South Dakota and the West.

On March 10, 2025, temperatures soared into the 60s and 70s, 20 to 30 degrees above typical averages, contributing to a Red Flag warning across the region. Fire seasons have been starting earlier in recent years, and climate factors have caused wildfire patterns to lengthen and intensify.

On March 6, significant budget cuts were reported in firefighting resources, with over 2,800 positions eliminated from federal fire management agencies, leaving the region underprepared for fire season. Collateral positions that provide essential support such as trail maintenance and drought monitoring were affected, leading to concerns about comprehensive wildfire management.

National Context

The National Interagency Fire Center’s (NIFC) Incident Management Situation Report for March 10 listed 31 active fires. However, the following day saw a dramatic increase in active fires, reaching 276, indicating a shift from light to moderate national fire activity.

The responding fire crews were affiliated with the South Dakota Firefighters Association, which encompasses various regional members dedicated to managing fire threats across a broad area. The association is also set to host the South Dakota State Fire School in June 2025, emphasizing continuous education and preparedness in the face of increasing wildfire challenges.

Conclusion

The Route 13 fire incident in Eagle Butte showcases the essential role of community mobilization in emergency situations. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by climate-induced fire risks and underscores the need for adequate support and resources for firefighting efforts. The collaboration of local residents, firefighters, and community leaders emphasized a commitment to protection and safety, with a collective resolve to confront the increasing threat of wildfires.

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