South Dakota Fires

Daily Wildfire Report for South Dakota - May 23, 2026

Overview

South Dakota is currently experiencing an elevated fire risk following a winter (2025-2026) that was one of the warmest and driest on record for the state. This lack of snowmelt and precipitation, combined with strong winds and dead vegetation, has created highly volatile conditions for wildfires across the region. The current National Preparedness Level is 2, with national resources actively managing multiple large uncontained fires across the country, while state and local resources remain on high alert.

Current Situation

Fire Activity: While several large fires that ignited earlier this spring have been contained, the state remains highly vigilant. Over the last year, South Dakota has experienced an unusually high number of fire alerts compared to previous seasons. Firefighters and state agencies are actively monitoring the landscape and preparing for new starts as the peak summer fire season approaches. To address the demanding fire season, South Dakota Wildland Fire held its annual preseason briefing on May 19, 2026, celebrating new investments in fire suppression and the opening of two major new wildland fire facilities in Hot Springs and Rapid City to strengthen rapid response capabilities.

Key Fires:

• Qury Fire: Located in Custer County, this has been the most significant fire of the season thus far, burning 9,168 acres before reaching containment earlier this month. It caused mandatory evacuations for the town of Custer and affected approximately 10 properties, with structures being either damaged or destroyed.
• 79 Fire: Also in Custer County, this fire burned 5,408 acres. It was primarily fueled by critically dry prairie grass, which allowed for explosive, wind-driven growth. The fire raced over 7 miles in a matter of hours due to high winds and unseasonably warm, dry weather before crews were able to halt its progression.
• Bauman Fire: Located in Jackson County, this fire burned 3,178 acres and was successfully contained in early May.
• Guide Fire: Located in Oglala Lakota County, this fire burned 1,104 acres north of Loneman before reaching full containment.

(Note: While these major fires have been contained, smaller active fires such as the Snyder Creek and Duck fires are currently being monitored but remain under 100 acres).

Prescribed Burns and Land Management: Land management agencies continue to utilize prescribed fire when weather permits to reduce hazardous fuels. The state legislature recently passed House Bill 1001, which enhances controlled burning efforts by allowing landowners adjacent to state-owned land bordering the Missouri River to conduct prescribed burns to control invasive woody species and manage grasslands. Additionally, the Black Hills National Forest continues to plan and execute hazardous fuels reduction work to protect local communities and infrastructure from catastrophic wildfires.

Burn Bans: Due to the persistent dry conditions and high fire danger, multiple counties across South Dakota have enacted strict burn bans. Counties including Brookings, Lincoln, Davison, Beadle, and Stanley have prohibited open burning. Residents are urged to check with their local county emergency management offices, as violations of these burn bans can result in significant fines and liability for suppression costs.

Weather and Wind Warnings

Current Weather: The region continues to face critical fire weather conditions. Over the past 72 hours, multiple Red Flag Warnings have been issued across central, north-central, and eastern South Dakota. These warnings were driven by a combination of strong northwest and west winds (sustained at 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph) and very low relative humidity dropping below 15%.
Forecasted Weather: The persistent dry pattern and high winds are expected to continue driving fire danger across the High Plains. Residents should remain alert to shifting winds and dry conditions, which can cause any new grass fires to spread rapidly and become difficult to control.

Recommendations

Public Awareness: Residents are strongly advised to adhere to all local burn bans and Red Flag Warnings. Outdoor burning is highly discouraged. It is crucial to use caution when doing activities that can cause sparks near dry vegetation, such as securing trailer chains, avoiding parking on dry grass, and ensuring any previous burn piles are completely extinguished.
Resource Allocation: State and local agencies are bolstering their readiness. Recent legislative measures have provided additional funding for wildfire suppression costs, personal protective equipment (PPE) grants for volunteer firefighters, and the establishment of a new East River Fire Management Office to coordinate efforts in eastern South Dakota.

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
South Dakota Office of Emergency Management: dps.sd.gov/emergency-services/emergency-management

Stay informed and prepared by monitoring these resources regularly.