South Dakota State Fire Meteorologist Darren Clabo says there is a potential for large wildfires in the western half of the state this spring.

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

Clabo‘s biggest area of concern IS the southwestern corner of South Dakota, including the southern Black Hills, but he’s also worried about other parts of West River and the Missouri River Valley.