PIERRE & RAPID CITY, S.D.(WNAX & KOTA)- As drought conditions continue and expand, much of South Dakota and the western US could be vulnerable to wildfires.

South Dakota State Fire Meteorologist Darren Clabo says much of the state is very short of moisture.

Clabo says wildfire potential is very high.

Clabo says the climate trend into summer looks to be hot and dry.

Tessa Jaeger, public information officer for the Rapid City Fire Department, says local firefighters are already contributing.

The two “single resource” firefighters are a little closer to home, but are battling a very active fire.

Jaeger took a moment to highlight just how severe that fire in Nebraska is.

The RCFD has announced plans to host a second academy this autumn, and Jaeger said the plan is to hire around 10 new firefighters.

Clabo says the danger is numerous fires will stress fire crews and equipment across much of the western U.S.