RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) — The opening of antelope hunting season in South Dakota has officials in the western part of the state on alert for wildfires.

Bill Eastman, state game warden based in Belle Fourche, says the state plans to quickly respond to any reported fires in what has been one of the driest years in decades.

The Rapid City Journal reports that Eastman is urging hunters to equip themselves to fight small fires and to report any fires immediately. He says law enforcement officers will be on regular fire patrols throughout northwestern South Dakota.

The antelope hunting season began Saturday and runs through Oct 14.