Smoke from dozens of wildfires burning in US and Canada clearly seen and smelled today in South Dakota

With the amount of haze and strong smell of smoke in the air today (July 29, 2021), people may be wondering where the local fire is.

But, Pierre Volunteer Fire Department chief Ian Paul says what we’re seeing and smelling is from some of the huge wildfires burning in other parts of the US and Canada.

Paul says it’s not unusual for the smoke to travel this far, but it is unusual that the haze is so thick.

In the northeast part of South Dakota, Watertown Fire Rescue chief Don Rowland says the smoke has been getting to the state for several weeks, but now it’s low enough to see it and smell it.

Smokey haze from wildfires across the US and Canada found its way to Pierre July 29, 2021.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.

Smokey haze from wildfires across the US and Canada found its way to Pierre July 29, 2021.
Photo credit DRG Media Group.

Three members of the Fort Pierre Volunteer Fire Department are in Washington State helping to fight the Sherwood Fire. The photos below are from chief Justin Jones, assistant chief Tye Odden and firefighter Trey Stroup’s first few days at that fire. The three arrived on site earlier this week and will be there for two weeks.