Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission conditionally approves pyrotechnics for rally and declares temporary burn ban amid dry conditions
Summary
With temperatures and dry conditions noted by the fire chief, Meade County commissioners approved pyrotechnic displays for rally events only after requiring coordination with the local fire district, and they enacted a temporary open-fire ban for rally period.
Facing dry weather and public-safety concerns, the Meade County Commission on July 23 conditionally approved pyrotechnic requests associated with rally events and simultaneously enacted an open‑fire burn ban covering the rally period.
Commissioners and staff said the statutory process (SDCL §34‑37‑13) requires pyrotechnic events to be brought before the governing body. Commissioners underscored that any approval must coordinate closely with the local fire jurisdiction to mitigate wildfire risk. Commissioner Liggott (motion maker) and a seconding commissioner moved to grant the requests on the condition the pyrotechnic operators coordinate with Sturgis area fire chief Scott Lenzegrave and satisfy the fire-jurisdiction requirements; that motion carried 3–2.
At the same meeting commissioners also approved Resolution 2024‑049, declaring a temporary open-fire ban during the rally. Chair Pat West and other commissioners said the ban and the conditional approvals are intended to balance public-safety protections with event operations.
Commissioners flagged that pyrotechnic operators must ensure on‑site fire suppression capability and explicit approval from the local fire chief; if the fire chief later withholds operational approval based on conditions, the county retains authority to require cancellation or additional safeguards.
The commission’s decisions put an onus on event organizers to document coordination with the fire district and to have an on‑site plan that meets the fire chief’s direction.
