PIERRE, S.D.(WNAX)- The South Dakota Department of Public Safety has named Jay Wickham as the new director of the Wildland Fire Division. He says they have a clear mission.

Wickham has been serving as deputy director under Chief Jay Esperance, who retired.

Wickham says they have a good assortment of equipment on hand.

Wickham says they also have manpower ready to go.

Wickham says wildfire danger is rising with the warm dry conditions across western South Dakota.