Firefighters making progress on forest fires in the Black Hills

RAPID CITY, S.D.(KOTA)- While the structural toll of the Rapid City area fires stands at one home and two outbuildings, the timeframe for evacuees returning home appears to have changed.

Stephanie Cook is the public information officer for the fire incident management team, and encouraged effected families to stay connected on relevant social media for updates.

Despite this, Cook said the progress made overnight by a workforce of 250 firefighters was not insignificant.

Rapid City Fire Department Chief Jason Culberson, whose agency is playing a supporting role in the fires outside city limits, said the winds the last few days have been the primary challenge.

With wind speeds far lower today than the two prior days, Cook said crews on the ground are confident they will continue making progress. As of now, the fire is 47% contained.

Governor Kristi Noem has declared the region as a state of emergency.