Commissioners deny firepit request

STURGIS, S.D. - Meade County Commissioners today denied a request from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to exempt their firepit from an ordinance that bans open fires in late July and early August.
Janet Clairmont says the firepit is part of religious ceremonies that take place at Bear Butte -- which is sacred to many Indian tribes.
But, commissioners say the ordinance is there for a reason -- to prevent a catastrophic wildfire during a usually hot and dry time of year.
Commissioners urged Clairmont to have fire officials investigate the site to see if it is safe. They say research that is done on the firepit may help in convincing them to restructure the ordinance in their favor at some point down the road.