The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for critical fire weather conditions from late morning into the evening today across much of southern South Dakota.
      The warning extends from the southwestern South Dakota border east to south of Chamberlain.
Among the cities included in the warning are Sturgis, Rapid City, Hot Springs, Pine Ridge, Wall, Mission, and Winner.Â
Dry fire fuels, strong gusty winds, and dry air are contributing factors that led to the Red Flag Warning.
South Dakota Wildland Fire urges residents in affected areas to use additional caution to prevent igniting a spark outside today.
That means not burning outdoors, throwing cigarette butts out car windows, or using machinery that could spark a ground fire.