PIERRE - A grassfire that officials say was likely started by children playing with matches burned about 100 acres of hillside in Pierre.

Pierre Fire Chief Bill Alexander tells KCCR radio that the fire between Bushfield Drive and the old city dump was first reported just before 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Alexander says the terrain made fighting the fire difficult. He says crews had to hit the fire with hoses from a distance and use hand shovels.

The blaze got within 30 feet of four or five trailer homes. The homes were not evacuated, but many property owners used garden hoses to guard their homes.

Alexander says officials found two lighters and several pieces of paper near the fire's origin.

Firefighters were called back to cool down some hotspots about 9 p.m.

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