RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The drought conditions in South Dakota have reached “extreme” status once again, exasperated by dry conditions and high wind speeds.

RCFD Public Information Officer Tessa Jaeger says Rapid City and the black hills experiences a “fire year” instead of a single season.

Jaeger said high fire danger is nothing new for the area, and residents should be made aware.

Along with that, Jaeger added Thanksgiving is among the highest fire-danger days with high traffic in the kitchen and juggling cooking priorities, and it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and home this holiday season.