FB 17

Fire Start, Size and Growth

Start Date/Time/Location: The FB 17 Fire ignited on April 23, 2026, with initial reports coming in around 1:49 a.m. CDT. It is located in Todd County, South Dakota, approximately 16 miles west-southwest of Rosebud and 5 miles north of Spring Creek, off BIA Route 5.
Size and Containment: As of the latest updates over the last 72 hours, the fire has burned 1,188 acres and is currently 60% contained.
Fuels, Growth and Rate of Spread: Initially reported as a 5-acre fire, it rapidly grew to 760 acres, then 900 acres, before reaching its current size of 1,188 acres. The fire is primarily fueled by timber with a grass understory and medium logging slash. Fire behavior has remained active, driven by dry and windy regional conditions.
Containment Efforts: The fire is being managed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) - Rosebud Agency. Approximately 50 personnel are assigned to the incident, utilizing 1 hand crew, 8 engines, and 2 helicopters. The estimated cost of the response to date is $100,000.

Emergency Information

Evacuations and Sheltering:
Mandatory Evacuation Orders: There are no mandatory evacuation orders currently in place, though local residences near the fire perimeter have been threatened.
Evacuation Warnings: The Rosebud Sioux Tribe Emergency Management has issued an advisory asking all non-fire personnel to avoid the area to allow responders to operate safely and efficiently.
Curfew: No curfews have been reported for this incident.
Evacuation Shelters and Information: No official evacuation shelters have been opened at this time.

Road and Infrastructure Closures:

• BIA 501 and BIA 5 in the Grass Mountain Community are closed.
• BIA 5 north of Spring Creek is closed.
• Residents are advised to avoid non-essential travel in these areas to allow firefighters room to work.

For more information, visit:

• South Dakota Wildland Fire
• Bureau of Indian Affairs - Wildland Fire Management
• Rosebud Sioux Tribe Official Updates

Current Impact

Impacts:
Injuries and Fatalities: There have been no injuries or fatalities reported in connection with the FB 17 Fire.
Structures Impacted: While residences near the fire have been threatened, there are currently no reports of structures damaged or destroyed.
School and Business Closures: No school or business closures have been reported.
Notable Impacts: The fire is burning within the Rosebud Indian Reservation, impacting local tribal lands and prompting emergency management responses from the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.

Safety Concerns:
Power Outages: No power outages have been reported in connection with this fire.
Water Safety: No specific water safety concerns have been reported, but residents should monitor local advisories.
Burn Bans: The fire is believed to have originated from human-caused open debris burning. Local authorities strongly encourage the public to avoid open burning during windy days or when No Burn Advisories are in effect.
Air Quality: Smoke from the fire may pose health risks, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. Residents in Todd County are advised to stay indoors if heavy smoke is present.

Ongoing Outlook

Containment Projections: Firefighters have achieved 60% containment and are continuing suppression and mop-up efforts. Crews anticipate making further progress, though challenging weather conditions remain a factor.
Weather and Wind Warnings: Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches have been active for the broader region. The area is experiencing gusty west to southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph (with gusts up to 35 mph) and critically low minimum relative humidity of 5% to 15%, creating elevated to critical fire weather conditions.

Cause and the Role of Weather and Climate

Cause: The FB 17 Fire is human-caused, specifically attributed to debris and open burning.
Weather and Climate: The fire's spread and active behavior have been exacerbated by extreme fire weather conditions, including unseasonably warm temperatures, critically low humidity, and strong, gusty winds. These persistent dry and windy conditions are typical of the elevated fire danger currently affecting the High Plains region, which limits the windows for safe prescribed burning and heightens the risk of rapid wildfire spread.

For more information, visit:

• South Dakota Wildland Fire
• Bureau of Indian Affairs - Wildland Fire Management
• Watch Duty Wildfire Map