02-05-2025
Fire destroys building at Platte lodge over the weekend
May 1—PLATTE, S.D. — A fire that broke out Saturday evening, April 26, 2025, destroyed one of the buildings at Rolling Hills Lodge in Platte. While an initial theory suggested a lightning strike as the cause, authorities now say the investigation remains open.
Platte Volunteer Fire Department responded to the call at 6:13 p.m. after flames were reported at a secondary lodging building on the property. Crews battled the blaze into the night, returning to the station around 11:30 p.m.
Fire Chief Rick Gustad said that although the fire appears to have been unintentional, some aspects of the lightning strike theory don't fully add up.
"We aren't done yet with our investigation," Gustad said. "But we do know that whatever happened, it was accidental in nature and unintentional."
The fire destroyed one of the guest buildings while sparing the main lodge. A nearby saloon sustained minor damage and is undergoing repairs.
Lodge owner Mary Hunt reported that the fire marshal believed a lightning strike south of the building caused the fire. She explained that the strike may have traveled through the ground and damaged an electric box, sparking a fire that quickly spread to a closet. The middle section of the building was the first to collapse.
Hunt reported that no one was inside at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.
"We do not, nor do the doggies, live here in this complex," Hunt wrote in a Facebook post. "We are in a completely different section altogether. Creatures are just fine."
The fire has disrupted upcoming events, including the Energize Conference hosted by SDSU Extension, scheduled for May 6 — 7. Hunt confirmed that guest reservations have been relocated to nearby lodges to allow time for repairs and smoke removal.
