Firefighters this month have been run ragged as they criss-cross the state, extinguishing prairie fires.
The drought not only has ruined crops and haylands this summer, but it also has left a fragile situation in the countryside, where any bolt of lightning, spark from a combine or discarded cigarette could be catastrophic.
Because of the very high risk of grass fires throughout the state, it was wise of Gov. Mike Rounds to announce that a statewide emergency will be declared, which will make it easier for the state to move firefighters and their equipment. He authorized the state Wildland Fire Division -- an entity that many didn't realize existed until this dry, dusty summer -- to contract another two airplane tankers and an additional firefighting crew, all as part of an effort to better attack fires before they grow out of hand.
The governor's point of view is this: It's better to spend the money -- and effort -- now, with preventative measures, than to face the high expense of fighting fires that have gotten out of control because of lack of firemen and firefighting equipment.
Plus, our firemen could use some backup, even if they haven't asked for it.
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The Mitchell department recently responded to nine grass fires in a one-week span.
In the small towns in the region, it's been just as hectic. A fire last week in Buffalo County grew to 2,000 acres in size and required the efforts of fire crews from at least seven towns and some 150 "other people," according to the Gann Valley fire chief.
All of those firemen were volunteers, and their diligent work was backed up by a volunteer support crew that provided cold water and plates of food in temperatures that surpassed 110 degrees.
State Secretary of Agriculture Larry Gabriel last week said volunteer firemen in some areas are downright exhausted. He's probably right.
Anyone who wonders if a state of emergency really exists throughout South Dakota should ask those firemen who spent the better part of last week combating the Buffalo County fire.
Gov. Rounds, obviously, is paying attention.
