South Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for South Dakota - August 14, 2026

Overview

South Dakota is experiencing an elevated fire risk following one of the warmest and driest winters on record, compounded by ongoing drought conditions and heavily cured prairie fuels. This combination of factors has led to potentially risky situations for wildfires across the state. So far in the 2026 season, firefighters have responded to 94 fires that have burned over 39,000 acres. The current regional outlook indicates that the potential for new significant wildfires to start remains above normal due to critically dry fuels and persistent wind events.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: There are currently multiple active fires in South Dakota, requiring coordinated local, state, and federal support to manage incident objectives. Firefighters are working to contain these fires while navigating challenging conditions, including severe weather and heavy traffic from the ongoing Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Agencies are prioritizing rapid initial attack on new starts given the critical fire weather.

Key Fires:

• Xu Hill Fire: Located in Oglala Lakota County near Rockyford, this fire started on August 11, 2026, and has burned approximately 2,500 acres. It is currently 10% contained. The fire is burning in 2.5-foot-tall prairie grass and exhibiting active, running, and flanking behavior. A Type 3 Incident Management Team is currently deployed to establish control lines.
• Bear Butte Fire: Started on August 10, 2026, near Highway 79 east of Sturgis. It has burned 457 acres and is currently 90% contained. The fire was fueled by extremely dry grass and pushed by strong northwesterly winds. Firefighters had to navigate heavy Sturgis Motorcycle Rally traffic to access the blaze. The fire was human-caused, sparked by a discarded cigarette.
• Potato Creek Fire: Located in Jackson and Oglala Lakota counties, this lightning-caused fire is the largest of the season in the state, having burned 10,944 acres. It is currently 100% contained, but crews continue to monitor the area.

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: The Black Hills National Forest has implemented Stage 2 Fire Restrictions across all ranger districts in South Dakota. These restrictions prohibit the ignition of any fire, campfire, charcoal barbecue, or grill to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires. Additionally, a 14-day camping limit and several trail/area closures (including the Osprey Trail and Pactola Loop B Campground) are in effect for public safety during ongoing construction and timber sales.
Air Quality: Smoke from active fires may impact local air quality in western South Dakota and the Black Hills region. Residents in these areas should be aware of changing smoke conditions and use caution, particularly if sensitive to particulate matter.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect for much of western and northwestern South Dakota (including Fire Weather Zones 314, 315, 316, 317, and 322) from noon to 9 PM MDT today.
Forecasted Weather: Conditions are dangerously dry, with relative humidity levels dropping as low as 10%. Northwest winds are expected at 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. In central portions of the state, wind gusts could reach up to 45 mph. These critically dry and windy conditions mean that any fires that develop will spread rapidly. Outdoor burning is strongly discouraged.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents and visitors, especially those attending the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, are urged to be mindful of fire traffic and to give emergency vehicles room to operate. It is crucial to have an emergency plan in place, adhere strictly to all Stage 2 fire restrictions, and avoid any spark-producing activities outdoors.
Resource Allocation: Local, state, and federal agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs and local volunteer fire departments, are actively engaged in suppression and mop-up efforts. Agencies are training for increased fire risk and conducting fuel mitigation projects to clear high-risk areas.

Resources

For up-to-date emergency information, residents can visit:
National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC): www.nifc.gov/fire-information/nfn
South Dakota Wildland Fire: wildlandfire.sd.gov

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.