
In a Rapid City residential area where the houses brush shoulders with trees, a community is pulling together to make sure everything is "Firewise."
Nearly 350 homes are tucked away in Chapel Valley; a situation that reminds some of the homes lost to forest fires in Colorado. So, the community is taking steps to protect their families and their property.
Cedar roofs have been replaced and fire hydrants installed. Residents even hired a logging company to clear trees.
But, this subdivision isn't the only one that could be threatened in Rapid City.
Lieutenant Tim Weaver said it's extremely important to act early in situations like this.
"If we don't do anything then what we have is just an environment that is right for a big catastrophic disaster," said Weaver. "You know wild land fire is a natural peril just like anything else but you can mitigate against it."
In the worse case scenario, Weaver said evacuation would also be difficult because there is only one way in and one way out.
Saturday, Rapid City's Woodridge Subdivision will host a "Firewise" day to help protect their homes by clearing brush. Chapel Valley and Woodridge will be the first "Firewise" communities in Rapid City.