RAPID CITY - State Fire Meteorologist Darren Clabo says there is a potential for large wildfires in western South Dakota this spring.

Clabo says he is expecting an "above-average" fire season in the region, even if there is a lot of precipitation. The area has been mired in drought since last year.

The Rapid City Journal reports that Clabo says the southern Black Hills and southwestern South Dakota are the biggest areas of concern. But he says he's also worried about other parts of the west, and also the Missouri River Valley.

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