Teens start small fire, concern with dry conditions - KOTA Territory News

Teens start small fire, concern with dry conditions

As the dry conditions in KOTA Territory linger, the fire danger continues to cause concern.

A group of teenagers set a small fire in a Meade County construction yard Sunday night and while it was extinguished quickly; it could have been much worse.

According to Summerset Police Chief Don Allen the male juveniles are between 14 and 16 years old and were trespassing at a construction yard Sunday night. They broke windows and started a fire in a piece of equipment. The fire was small and fire fighters were able to extinguish the fire shortly after they arrived on scene.

The Chief said thankfully there were no strong winds Sunday night like there was Monday; or the fire could have spread quickly.

"With the wind blowing with the way it is today if it would have happened now it would be a concern. But last night it was calm and we were able to contain it rather quickly," said Chief Allen.

A few neighbors in the area said this isn't the first time teens have been caught trespassing on this property. In fact according to some neighbors it happens often and they cause a lot of damage.

"There's been some reports of vandalism back in this property but nothing real serious just some minor stuff," said Chief Allen.

The property owner declined to speak on camera but says teen vandals have caused nearly 200 thousand dollars in property damages.

During last night's incident one of the teens fell and was injured. Chief Allen said he was transported to Rapid City Regional Hospital with unknown injuries. Police say the investigation is ongoing and charges are pending against the teens.

Fire officials want to remind people that with the especially dry conditions even a small fire can get out of hand quickly.