Public Safety · Wall, SD
New Wall Air Tanker Base Opens to Speed Wildfire Response
State officials opened a new Single Engine Air Tanker base in Wall on Thursday, Oct. 16, to improve wildfire response times across South Dakota. Governor Larry Rhoden joined officials for the opening, noting that aircraft based there can carry up to 800 gallons of water or fire retardant. The facility aims to protect communities and forested areas in the Black Hills and Cheyenne River Valley. Additionally, Rhoden signed Executive Order 2026-10 to preapprove wildland fire assistance for rural departments outside the Black Hills Forest Fire Protection District.