Thanks to quick action by neighbors, a Pierre family and their two cats are safe after an early morning house fire in Pierre.
Pierre Volunteer Fire Department Chief Ian Paul says they responded to a residential fire at approximately 1:45 AM Saturday (Jan. 3, 2026) in the 200 block of Orion Avenue. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy smoke and flames coming from the home. Paul says firefighters initially launched a defensive attack, battling the fire from the exterior due to the intensity of the flames.
“The home was too involved with heavy fire to safely send anyone inside,” said Paul. “We conducted our initial operations from the exterior and were able to transition to interior operations as the blaze was brought under control.”
A neighbor noticed the fire and was able to alert the occupants of the home. Because of the neighbor’s actions, the occupants, three adults and one child, were able to safely evacuate. There were no injuries and two pet cats were brought out safely.
The single-wide mobile home sustained significant damage and is considered a total loss. The fire appears to have originated on the outside of the home and investigators have determined the cause to be accidental. No foul play is suspected.
Firefighters remained on the scene for approximately 3.5 hours, with assistance from AMR ambulance service, the Fort Pierre Volunteer Fire Department, local law enforcement, and the City of Pierre Electric Department.
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